In a press release, Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) stressed the importance of contractors' compliance with the approved technical specifications set by the RTA to ensure the safety of road users and smooth traffic flow on all roads of the emirate.
The above Call coincides with the stringent measures taken by the RTA against a contracting company undertaking one of RTA projects including the imposition of a Dh 200k fine for violating the instructions and code of procedures without seeking the consent of the Consultant & the RTA to do a night-time job. The action made by the contractor resulted in flipping a crane while attempting to install a directional signboard on Al Ittihad Road at the end of February 2008. The incident resulted in closing Al Ittihad Road for 10 successive hours, triggering tailbacks and disrupting traffic flow in a number of roads in the emirate.
According to Maitha Bin Adai, CEO of RTA Traffic & Roads Agency, RTA opened investigation in the accident to identify the underlying causes and factors leading to blocking Al Ittihad Road from 3am to 1pm in the direction from Sharjah to Dubai, resulting in bottlenecks and crippling traffic flow. “Investigations revealed that the flipping of the crane was caused by the contractor's violation of work instructions and procedures without securing the consent of the consultant to work overnight; which si attributed to the failure of the company to comply with the technical specifications and stipulations, safety procedures and precautions required for doing such a job'' she stated.
Maitha elaborated on the accident and said: “The accident took place at 3am while the crane was lifting the gantry to install it on the said road. The crane operator released the rod to stretch beyond the technical measurements applicable in such type of work, resulting in the crane losing balance and flipping. Consequently the road was closed for 10 hours, crippling traffic flow and causing congestions in several key roads in the emirate such as Abu Hail Road, Al Quds Road and Al Nahda Road.
“In the light of investigations made, RTA took stringent action against the company operating the crane that caused the accident including a fine of Dh 200k as a measure intended to reflect the tough stance of the RTA towards any violation jeopardizing the public safety, causing losses and disrupting traffic flow. This particularly falls in line with the intensive and tangible efforts made by the RTA to beat traffic congestion, and maintain safety in all projects undertaken, where every consideration is being given to compliance with safety standards and conditions to ensure smooth and safe transit to road users and the whole community.''
