Law abiding motorists who are angry at the way some drivers flaunt traffic norms, when there are no policemen around, can now get even.

Dubai Police is giving frustrated motorists and other members of the public a chance to make sure that such violators do not go scot free.

Motorists who jump queues, drive on road shoulders, drive recklessly, litter the streets or are rude to others better be aware as anybody can now inform the police about their bad behaviour, stated Brigadier Juma Aman Obaid, Director of the General Department of Operations at Dubai Police.

"It is a very simple procedure. Just pick up the phone, call us on 8004353, toll-free, and give details on the type of violation and the vehicle number - and leave the rest to us," he said.

Brig Obaid said the initiative has been launched under the theme 'We are all police', with all details of complainants to held under the strictest confidentiality.

The public can also report on those who break laws at the Dubai Police website, he added.

"With this programme, the police is giving a part of its authority to the public," he pointed out.

He called upon the public to utilise this service and cooperate with them, noting: "It is also the duty of the public to inform the police when they see something wrong because this goes a long way in helping us prevent, fight or solve crimes."

Brig Obaid said there is no difference between a UAE national and an expatriate when it comes to such obligations as all live in this country, and anything that is negative affects us all.

He stressed that Dubai Police has been working hard to break down the phobias people have about the police: "Many people still have the archaic notion that the police are brutal and, if approached, will treat the good samaritan as a criminal - but this is not the case."

Added Lieutenant Colonel Omar Abdullah Abdul Aziz, Director of the Operation Department, after receiving three complaints from three different people about a certain person, they open an investigation.

"We look into that person's track record, call him/her up and inform them of the complaints against them. That person then has to sign an undertaking - and if we later receive other complaints, we then take legal action according to the degree of the violations committed," he explained.

He warned those who might think of misusing the service, saying if proven that somebody is falsely accusing another, severe legal action will be taken against the offender.

"The police will be very hard on people who try to misuse this facility to hurt others," he stressed. "Anybody found guilty of such a malicious deed will be taken to task."

Lt. Col. Abdul Aziz said they have received 2,800 complaints from the public since they launched the programme at the beginning of last year. They have also handed out warnings to 16 motorists.