Sharjah: A new radar system introduced on Tuesday by Sharjah Police will be able to catch drivers who use the hard shoulder — a practice which puts lives at risk.
Trucks drivers who violate the truck ban (they are not allowed on the roads from 5.30am to 9.30am, 1pm to 3pm and from 5.30pm to 9.30pm) are also being targeted by the Directorate of Traffic and Patrols new system.
Colonel Abdullah Mubarak Bin Amer, Director of the Central Operations Directorate of Sharjah Police, said that Sharjah Police had finished the development of an advanced system for radars on the emirate’s roads. The radars are equipped with a special programme to catch offenders, whatever the offence.
“It will monitor roads more closely to catch those who drive on the hard shoulder”, Colonel Bin Amer said.
Such behaviour is “uncivilised,” he added.
“We launched this advanced system after noticing an increase in traffic collisions resulting from driving on the hard shoulder.”
Drivers who overtake others via the hard shoulder represent a danger to everyone else on the road because sometimes they get in the way of ambulances or police cars, Colonel Bin Amer said.
He said that the hard shoulder is meant to be used only in emergencies by ambulances and police cars, in order to save lives and provide urgent care.
Statistics show an increase in the number of violations with many resulting in collisions.
“Collisions from these violations have resulted in serious injuries and even death,” Colonel Bin Amer said.
Violators face a Dh600 fine and six black points on their driving licence, he said.
Colonel Bin Amer urged all road users to abide by traffic rules to protect their lives and the lives of others.
