RTA official slams lack of police checks

Dubai: Lack of enforcement by police to check bad drivers on Dubai roads is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents and traffic congestion in the city, said a senior official.

"I am sorry to say but there is no discipline on roads because effective enforcement is not there," said Badr Al Siri, Director of the Traffic Department at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

He said no one checks, stops and fines people driving dangerously on roads and violating traffic rules.

"No one stops motorists from doing whatever they do on roads and this gives them a free hand leading to accidents and traffic congestion," Al Siri said in response to a Gulf News report this week about the menace of bad driving manners on Dubai roads.

Big problem

"Drivers' behaviour is a big problem. They come from different nationalities and different backgrounds and behave differently on the road. Campaigns for their education and awareness about traffic laws have also not been a big success because most of them neither read the newspaper nor watch television. Also, they speak different languages," said Al Siri.

Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, said the enforcement part of traffic laws is missing.

"Some drivers on Dubai roads drive as if they are driving in the desert. We need to stop this practice. I have said many times that the RTA cannot make roads for 'drunk' drivers. Respect for traffic laws and good behaviour is important for road safety and the decrease in the number of accidents."

He also emphasised the need for effective educational and awareness campaigns to curb bad driving habits.

"You also need to upgrade your awareness campaigns on this issue," he told officials at the RTA's Traffic Department.

The Dubai Police is doing a very good job considering the pathetic condition of roads at present. Their dedication and determination should be appreciated. RTA should not be pointing fingers on them. With all the construction works going on and very few roads to get around, they cannot very well work miracles. Kudos to you Dubai Police. We - the public - are with you!
Suzanne
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 27, 2007, 08:28

I agree with Badr Al Siri about the level of police protection on Dubai roads. Dubai needs an American-style highway patrol police unit.
Jerald
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: September 27, 2007, 08:21

I never have seen so many bad drivers than in the UAE. If somebody causes accidents, insurance will pay. This is a big problem, the price of the insurance should go up, for each accident.
Lothar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 27, 2007, 08:17

This happened to me a couple of days ago. I was in a Dubai Taxi that caused an accident near Fish Round About in the evening around 5:00 pm. When the police was contacted, they said I should go to Muraqabat police station. I was not only a victim of an insane Dubai Taxi driver (obsessively listening to songs while driving) but also the police's lackadaisical attitude.
Bernard
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 27, 2007, 08:16

The most likely solution is to employ dedicated "Traffic Police". This will help focus on traffic issues.
Derrick
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 27, 2007, 08:07

I do agree with RTA, I think the Police in Dubai has a post accident role rather preventing accidents.
Steve
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 27, 2007, 07:29