Re-install orange cone traffic barriers

My morning routine usually involves dropping my husband off at Al Quoz in Dubai, and then returning to my workplace in Sharjah.

However, a few days before New Year, I noticed that several vital cone barriers, which acted as a divider for lanes going to Sharjah and Bur Dubai, had been removed. All that was left was a straight, unbroken line that prohibits motorists from changing lanes.

Making this discovery was not a pleasant experience. Just when I realised that the barriers were gone, a speeding car changed lanes and moved all the way from the extreme left to the right lane. It happened again a few days later, but this time, I actually feared for my life.

Changing lanes without taking proper care has become a common occurrence in the area. It seems that solid, yellow lines have no meaning for many speedsters, who would rather put people's lives at risk than drive within the speed limit.

Additionally, the lack of barriers is throwing the once steadily moving traffic into complete chaos. With many motorists trying to move into the left lane and others trying to make their way toward the right, there may soon be a time when the traffic will come to a virtual standstill. All because of the lack of familiar orange cones!

Many of my friends and colleagues have faced the same issues along the stretch of road toward Sharjah and Al Maktoum bridge.

Since the road has a minimum speed limit of 60 km/h, it could be quite dangerous for not only those who are speeding but also those who are trying to drive safely.

I urge the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to stop fining those who are breaking the rules by erratically changing lanes. Instead, they could prevent them from doing so entirely by monitoring the problem areas and re-installing the cones.

It could be the only way to stop this madness.

The reader is an executive secretary for a pharmaceutical company in Sharjah.