Comments pour in about 'death trap' roundabout

Dubai: Motorists passing through the Dubai Investment Part (DIP) roundabout near the Green Community on Emirates Road yesterday vented their anger that a solution to the worsening traffic situation has not yet been introduced.

Responding to a Gulf News report yesterday about the "lethal" roundabout, not only those living in the Green Community but also other motorists using this roundabout said an immediate solution was needed to avoid accidents.

In comments sent to Gulf News, some said that officials from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should try out the roundabout to understand how dangerous it is.

Meanwhile, an RTA official told Gulf News that the plan to install traffic signals at the roundabout and construction of two exit roads for the Green Community was in place. However, he did not give a time-frame.

He also pointed out that regulating traffic was the job of the police and not the RTA.

"We are concerned with improving the road network to ensure smooth traffic flow, but the police should regulate traffic and impose fines on dangerous truck drivers, who are reportedly posing a danger to other motorists in the area and are responsible for traffic congestion at this particular point."

A large number of Dubai residents posted their comments on the Gulf News website to share their experiences at the dangerous roundabout.

Jainerdra, a Dubai resident said: "I use this roundabout rarely but whenever I do, I pray that something bad doesn't happen. Once I clear the roundabout I thank God that I averted an accident because you are always at the mercy of the big trucks.

Unbelievably dangerous

"I have been commuting from Jebel Ali Free Zone to Dubai International City for the past six months. It is indeed a death trap at the Green Community roundabout. Not only the heavy vehicles, the pick-up drivers and minibus drivers are even more dangerous and horrible drivers. They don't seem to adhere to traffic rules," Pradeep said.

K.T, another motorist, said: "I have stopped using it for the sake of my life. The RTA official must use this roundabout to understand what we go through everyday. The truck drivers are unbelievably dangerous with a total disregard for others' lives."

Syed said that it was a nightmare.

"Just imagine huge trucks, minivans, tankers and buses queuing up at the same time at the Al Khail Road, Jebel Ali Road and Emirates Road and determined not to give way to others cars."

Paul, a British national, said: "Forget traffic lights, just get the trucks to use the road during the off-peak times as stipulated on the very large sign installed on the roads as you leave the Green Community. This situation needs police control on a daily basis until a solution is found. Usually, they are there dealing with accidents so maybe they can be there to prevent them," he added.

"We use the roundabout to take our kids to school every day. It is hard to believe that such a roundabout exists. It is extremely dangerous. The RTA should begin work on a proper interchange as soon as possible," Jeremy said.

Wael said: "I have been commuting from Sharjah to DIP for over a year. The roundabout in question is a suicide attempt for those using it. Why does it take so many accidents and lives for them to take action?"

"I use this roundabout rarely, but whenever I do, I pray that something bad doesn't happen. Once I clear the roundabout I thank God that I averted an accident."