Police get tough on reckless truck drivers

Dubai: Police are to clampdown on truck drivers who break traffic rules.

Brigadier Mohammad Saif Al Zafein, Director of Dubai Police's Traffic Department, said the traffic department had received instructions from Brigadier Dr Jamal Al Merri, Acting Chief of Dubai Police, to take appropriate procedures against the offending drivers.

He said the department had prepared a comprehensive awareness programme for truck drivers and owners that included workshops and instructional meetings. He warned that truck drivers who committed dangerous offences, such as lane violations or driving on the hard shoulder, would face stiff penalties, especially if they repeated the offence.

Brigadier Al Zafein said the punishments included vehicle confiscation, fines and prosecution for endangering others. He warned the police could deport the offender without referring the matter to court.

Brigadier Dr Al Merri revealed there were directions from Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, to step up procedures against truck drivers who did not abide by traffic rules and who posed a danger to others.

Brigadier Dr Al Merri warned truck drivers against parking on the side of the road or in residential areas.