Be patient with RTA, says police chief

Dubai: Be patient with the Roads and Transport Authority, the Chief of Dubai Police has urged the public.

Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim said the problem of traffic jams cannot be solved with a magic wand, as construction takes time.

He said currently 80 per cent of the country's cranes are in Dubai and there are more than 68 towers being constructed at the same time, in addition to Burj Dubai.

Lt Gen Dahi pointed out that there will be an increase in the number of police patrols and the traffic situation will improve with the opening of the new Garhoud Bridge and other major projects.

He called on motorists involved in minor accidents to move their cars and go to the nearest police station to avoid blocking the roads.

New police stations

Lt Gen Dahi said the crime rate in Dubai declined by 4 to 10 per cent this year compared to last year.

He attended a Ramadan majlis organised by Dubai Press Club on Sunday and said 18 new police stations will be set up in Dubai as part of its strategy. He said the centres will undertake intensified patrolling duties to reduce the time in responding to traffic accidents and other road emergencies, and avoid congestion.

Lt Gen Dahi said giving the construction of police stations to the municipality would hinder their completion and he will request that the municipality's role should be limited to supervision of the construction and execution.

Responding to a query on his evaluation of the Federal National Council's performance, Lt Gen Dahi said: "We did not see results during the council's work in the past 10 months, but officials are working on the internal structure of the council.

"We should not judge the council by the past few months, but we did not see the council discussing important issues," he said. Lt Gen Dahi praised the efforts of the Dubai Police Human Rights Department for communicating with society and its problems which contributed to Dubai Police receiving three awards from international organisations this year.

He also discussed various other issues related to police, traffic and other social and political issues.

Hats off to RTA for doing a fantastic job with the on-going and upcoming projects. At least they have recognised and addressed the problem unlike many other cities around the world.Honestly I want to abandon my car and use the public transport.But I know it takes time...I will wait.
Sandeep
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 09, 2007, 14:56

Indeed we cannot completely blame the traffic woes on the RTA alone. In fact, they are doing a magnificent job taking into account the number of projects that are being started in Dubai. Motorists should also maintain road discipline and be part of the traffic solution.
Emmanuel
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 09, 2007, 12:30

I agree with General Dahi Khalfan Tamim to be patient with RTA. However all such projects that are under construction by the RTA should inform every one of the outcome it will have and the benefit these changes will make to the traffic. RTA should do more Promotions in the form of exhibitions, keep information boards at the under construct sites for upcoming projects etc.
Bernard
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 09, 2007, 12:14

I would like to know how the RTA is going to bridge the Sheik Zayed/Al Wasl/Jumeirah roads in order to complete the creek extension from Business Bay to the Gulf. If you think traffic is bad now, wait till 12 lanes and 2 service roads on the Sheik Zayed Road are diverted!
Charley
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 09, 2007, 12:13

It is comforting that Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim is keeping residents up-to-date with major daily issues. Such, however should be publicly and routinely announced by the concerned authorities with details of progress of each project. That way, residents would know the exact timetable for each project that may be affecting their daily life.
Karkain
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 09, 2007, 07:20