Dubai: Four hundred police patrols will monitor Dubai roads on New Year’s Eve, a senior police official said.
Colonel Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, Deputy Director of Dubai Police Traffic Department, said Dubai Police re ready to secure the celebrations for the New Year’, noting that the procedures will start at 2pm today (Monday) until after midnight.
“Any car will be impounded if found stopped on the side of main roads such as Shaikh Zayed Road for the driver and passenger to watch the fireworks and celebrations at Burj Khalifa,” he said.
He added if a car impedes traffic in areas around Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa it will be impounded.
Colonel Al Mazroui said that about 400 patrols and officers will secure the celebrations in the areas of Bur Dubai and Deira on New Year’s Eve, adding that he will not allow any vehicle to enter the areas surrounding Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, except if they have obtained prior permission.
He urged motorists to be careful while driving in areas where there are celebrations including Shaikh Zayed Road, Dubai Financial Centre, Al Khail Road, and the Dubai Financial Centre bridge.
He said the Roads and Transport Authority RTA will run buses to transport people to locations of celebrations.
Colonel Al Mazroui said more than one million are expected near Burj Khalifa area to celebrate the new year.
Hotels are informed not to allow any of their visitors to drive while under the influence.
Police will have zero tolerance for those who drive while drunk.
Police traffic patrols will cover all areas near hotels to reduce congestion.
Police said a woman arrested on Saturday for causing an accident while driving was found to be under the influence.
The Arab woman sustained minor injures when she hit four cars at 4.30am in Al Shindagha tunnel. The woman was arrested and released on bail. She will pay a fine of more than Dh1,000 for drinking and driving and causing a traffic accident. .
Maj Gen Mohammad Eid Al Mansouri, Director of the General Department of Protective Security and Emergency at Dubai Police and head of committees for activities in Dubai, urged the public to follow safety rules and adhere to signs thart lead to the areas assigned to watch the fireworks such as the Boulevard area, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid area, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar.
He also appealed to road users to choose the main entrances on Shaikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road to facilitate traffic flow and enter the Boulevard area smoothly, and to park their cars in designated areas only.
