Dubai
The issue I want to highlight is of people cutting across lanes at traffic signals. A few days ago, in Dubai’s Deira area, I witnessed three motorists wanting to change lanes at a signal (as seen in photograph). They blocked the traffic completely!
When the signal turned green, the duration of time that it was open, these vehicles were blocking other vehicles from going in their desired direction. Not only is it a nuisance, but it is also unfair to other motorists.
There are so many motorists that are waiting patiently at the signal, following the traffic rules, but some motorists want to jump the queue and cut in right at the end. It saves them time, but what about the other motorists? Why can’t they spare a thought for the people who are waiting in line for the same?
Sumanmon E., a sales executive based in Dubai, has also witnessed this issue around the emirate.
He said: “My work ends at 8pm. There is heavy traffic every day across the Dnata signal in Deira. I always see a large number of cars just cutting into lanes. Motorists are honking all the time in frustration. I am surprised that there aren’t many accidents, considering the number of vehicles that cut across lanes. These drivers don’t seem to bother about others.”
Shyamanth M., another sales executive based in Dubai, has had similar experiences.
He said: “The moment my office timings are over, I get stressed thinking about the rush to reach home due to the traffic created by vehicles cutting across lanes at signals. These drivers will argue with you in many cases when they don’t get the right of passage. There should be a system wherein these vehicles are fined on the spot or at least radars should be placed at all signals. Due to these motorists, others face delays as the signals turn red.”
This happens most often during the evening rush hours, when people are going home from work. Everyone seems to be in a hurry to reach home, not bothering about traffic rules. I believe the authorities should install radars at all signals so that the drivers who indulge in these practices are fined heavily. They need to be given a verbal warning, too, so they don’t repeat such practices in the future. It is a habit that has to be severely curtailed as these people are blocking the free flow of traffic at intersections.
— The reader is a sales executive based in Dubai.
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FACTBOX
A Gulf News report published in March 2017 highlighted a new radar to catch motorists who abruptly cut in front of other drivers in Dubai. These radars were mostly placed at exits, intersections and turns where motorists illegally try to cut in, bypassing long lines of traffic. The radars can catch a queue jumper from over 1,000 meters. They will monitor roads and automatically fine any car that is not abiding by lane discipline. The fine for not abiding by lane discipline is Dh200 and two black points.
