Fines 'should have been imposed a long time ago'

Some said it was good, some said it was too harsh and others called it too weak.

This is how drivers reacted to Dubai Police's decision to fine motorists Dh100 and register four black points on their licences for allowing children to sit in the front seat. Police have also proposed that passengers in the back wear seatbelts.

Mariam Mohammad, a UAE national university graduate, strongly agrees with the fines and black points.

"I think these fines should have been imposed a long time ago. Many accidents have occurred because of this violation.

"Drivers think that if something happens they will be able to concentrate and control the vehicle, but how can you concentrate on driving if you have a child in the front seat or on your lap," she said.

However, she was not enthusiastic about the back seatbelt suggestion.

"Personally, I think the danger is greater in the front of the car," she said.

Jasim Mohammad Ahmad, another UAE national, agrees with Mariam about back seat passengers not having to wear seatbelts.

"I do not think wearing seatbelts in the back is a good idea. People should be made aware of the dangers. However, it is not possible to wear seatbelts while sitting in the back because some people might have special situations that might prevent them from wearing one. What if a woman is pregnant."

On the decision to fine drivers for allowing children to sit in the front, Ahmad said: "It is a harsh decision, four black points are too much. I think violators should be advised and made aware of the dangers. If they repeat the violation, they should be given penalties, but not for the first offence."

Anu Barsleebi, an Indian housewife, said: "This is a good decision. Too many lives are at risk if a child sits in the front seat.

"I don't know why people put children on their laps in the front. This is so dangerous. The proposal on seatbelts in the back is also good. But it remains to be seen how many people will follow the rule."

However, Shane Collier, a Briton, thinks the penalty for allowing children to sit in the front is not harsh enough.

"The violator's licence should be immediately taken away because nothing equals children's safety."

He said he thought the back seatbelt idea would be supported by the majority of responsible drivers.