Sharjah steps up traffic patrolling for Ramadan

Sharjah: Police in Sharjah have geared up to enforce traffic discipline so as to achieve a reduction in traffic jams and accidents during Ramadan.

Lieutenant Colonel Masoud Amiri, director of operations at Sharjah Police, told Gulf News that Anjad patrols will intensify their vigil at main squares, parks, residential areas and other crowded public places in order to ensure that motorists arrive home safely in time for Iftar.

"Motorists should remember to drive safe, especially before they end their fast, since it has been common for youngsters to speed back home recklessly so that they can reach home before the call for prayer," said Lt Col Amiri.

"This sort of behaviour is wrong because their disregard for others can lead to fights and accidents, and it is crucial that everybody follows the principles of fasting and be patient."

According to the Sharjah Police annual report, the roads and squares that are typically congested during Ramadan include those leading from Kuwait Roundabout to Flying Saucer Roundabout (Humaid Bin Saqr Al Qasimi Roundabout), from Shaikh Saud Roundabout towards Al Khazana Roundabout, and from Government Square towards Al Estiqlal Roundabout.

Additional roads being monitored include the road from Al Ramla towards Cultural Square that leads up to the bridge heading towards University City, the roads from Industrial Area 4 and 5 leading to and from Dubai, as well as Al Taawun Roundabout and Al Wahda Street.

"Anjad patrols will also pay particular attention to Al Dhaid Road, Maleha Road and the one in Muwaileh because these areas are typically used as alternative routes for motorists who want to avoid traffic as they enter the city of Sharjah. The other roads that will also be heavily patrolled include those at Halwan and Al Azra," Lt Col Amiri said.

Curbs on heavy vehicles

Trucks and heavy vehicles are banned from Sharjah's highways between 8am and 9am and from 8pm to 11pm during the month of Ramadan, police have announced. The ban also applies to highways emanating from Sharjah Ring Road, Al Dhaid Road, and from the Eastern and Central Region.

"We implemented the ban in accordance with the change of work timings of government employees, and also to cater to the new rush of traffic which we expect to happen in the evenings during Ramadan," said Lieutenant Colonel Arif Mohammad Al Shamsi, director of the Traffic and Licensing Department.