Dubai: Residents living in Al Barari and neighbouring areas have raised concern over the increasing number of motorists who drive in the opposite direction to enter the community from the direction of Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road from Sharjah.
The increasing number of violations is due to the lack of entrance points to the community from one side of Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road.
Currently, there are only entry and exit points to Al Barari when heading towards Abu Dhabi, and an exit point from the community on the opposite direction.
“As a result residents heading home from the Jumeirah side of town, are driving down the exit point in the middle of the highway to get home, in order to avoid driving to the Al Ain exit and taking a double loop back,” said Farooq M., a resident in the area.
This is causing accidents both on the highway and at the exit points, as cars are usually driving out of the one-lane exit, while others are trying to drive in, explained Farooq.
With residents desperate for a solution, Gulf News contacted the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to find out future road plans in the area.
“A future interchange providing full movement on Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road is currently in RTA’s 2020 plans, which shall provide an adequate entrance to Al Barari development. Meanwhile RTA will study additional safety measures to improve the safety in the area,” said an RTA spokesperson.
Residents speaking to Gulf News have also highlighted that a parked police car was seen at the exit on a number of occasions in order to fine those driving down in the opposite direction.
“Police have fined many residents in the area who were seen driving down the community’s exit, but that has not solved the issue. It is a hassle to drive down to the Al Ain exit, especially during rush hour, in order to take a double loop, and then drive down all the way to the entrance on the other side of Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road. It adds another 10-15 minutes and is unreasonable,” said Noora Bassam, from Palestine.
The Al Barari resident also pointed out that while a cycling track was built around the community months ago, there are no signs of construction for an entrance pathway into the community. “I don’t see how a cycling track is more important than an entrance off the highway. It has become a dangerous spot for those entering and leaving the community, and something needs to be done as soon as possible,” she said.
Despite residents’ concerns rising, RTA has presented no clear solution.
