Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has decided to standardise the speed limit at Umm Suqeim Road and Al Qudra Road in the sector extending from Shaikh Zayed Road to Emirates Road (formerly known as Dubai Bypass Road) to 80km/h starting from June 1. The RTA is undertaking continuous reviews of speed limits on some vital roads and highways in Dubai to realign the speed limits with the road and traffic conditions and the surrounding environment.
Engineer Maitha Bin Udai, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency, said: “The decision has been taken in implementation of the standards of the Dubai Speed Management Guide. This guide takes into consideration a host of factors highlighted by the classification of the road (express, arterial, highway, local), the number of exit and entry points as well as junctions, the nature of the surrounding environment, whether it is commercial or residential, and the street, whether it is inside or outside the city. Other factors include vehicular and pedestrian traffic volumes, and statistics of traffic accidents witnessed by the area along with their analysis during a specific period.”
Maitha added, “The driving speed in the area in between Umm Suqeim and Al Qudra Roads starting from Shaikh Zayed Road to Emirates Road (in both directions) was variable, especially in those areas which have witnessed subsequent development and expansion projects. Thus, it has become imperative to standardise the speed limit over the whole stretch of the road in keeping with the highest international standards and practices which are principally set to ensure traffic safety and curb traffic accidents.”
“Statistics reveal that Umm Suqeim Road (between Al Khail Road and Mohammad Bin Zayed Road) witnessed 30 traffic accidents resulting in three fatalities, one serious injury, and eight moderate injuries. This warranted taking corrective measures in this location in accordance with the Speed Management Guide. This was relevant as the extension of Al Qudra Road has residential complexes under construction, which warranted setting a speed cap.”
