Abu Dhabi streets feel the strain as vehicles double

Abu Dhabi: If columns of cars waiting patiently at a red signal have become an all too familiar sight, it is because the number of vehicles has doubled in Abu Dhabi in just seven years.

According to statistics provided by the Abu Dhabi Traffic Department, the number of vehicles in the Abu Dhabi Emirate, inclusive of Al Ain and Tarif, has gone up from 242,409 in 2000 to 526,161 in 2007.

"The number of cars has certainly escalated in big proportions, especially over the past three years," said Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Mayoof Al Ketbi, Director of the Vehicle Licensing Department at the Abu Dhabi Traffic Department.

The increase in the number of licences issued every day, easy availability of car loans and more and more companies providing cars for their employees have contributed to the drastic increase in the vehicle to population ratio in the country.

Priority

"Hundreds of drivers get licences every day and a good number of people can afford to buy new cars, especially with the easy availability of loans from financial institutions. As for companies, it is important for them to ensure the mobility of their employees so they provide company-owned cars to many. This means the number is increasing by the hour," he said.

On average, 250 licences are issued every day in Abu Dhabi.

However, there are no regulations as to the maximum number of cars a person can own, as far as UAE nationals are concerned. Expatriates can own from 2 to 4 cars based on considerations such as the profession of the person.

Last year alone, 66,309 new vehicles were registered in the emirate. According to Al Ketbi, the increasing traffic is an inevitable result of the economic boom of the country.

Asked if the infrastructure of the city has been upgraded to match the needs of the growing traffic, Al Ketbi said that this is one of the priorities of the authorities.

"The testing of older vehicles before renewing their registration also helps to ensure the roads are safe. Apart from this, officials patrol the city to monitor factors like excessive smoke or worn out tyres, and fine offenders."