Video: RTA and Dubai Police launch Joint Patrol Units for heavy vehicles monitoring

Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police General Headquarters have launched Joint Patrol Units for heavy vehicles monitoring and enforcing technical compliance.

These patrol units are part of coordinated efforts to enhance inspection campaigns and expand coverage across six major roads: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Emirates Road, Al Khail Road, Ras Al Khor Road, Al Maktoum Airport Road, and Dubai-Al Ain Road.

This strategy focuses on four key areas: traffic monitoring and enforcement, road and vehicle engineering, traffic awareness, and the development of systems and management.”

Keeping highways safe

“These Joint Patrol Units will contribute to our efforts to enhance traffic safety, ensure compliance with traffic laws, and guarantee proper mechanical maintenance of heavy vehicles, which is crucial for preventing serious accidents and managing truck movements safely,” he added.

He also urged heavy vehicle drivers to adhere to traffic laws, follow speed limits, maintain safe distances, conduct regular vehicle inspections, take necessary breaks on long journeys, avoid distractions, and ensure tyre safety.

Al Banna further commented: “The launch of Joint Patrol Units reflects the close collaboration between the RTA and Dubai Police in achieving the goals of Dubai’s traffic safety strategy. We aim to strengthen enforcement against heavy vehicle violations, promote traffic safety, and work towards our ‘Zero Fatalities’ vision, positioning Dubai as a global leader in road safety. Remarkably, traffic-related fatalities have decreased by 93% between 2007 and 2023.”

Traffi safety

He added: “These Joint Patrol Units support joint efforts with Dubai Police to enhance traffic safety, reduce truck-related incidents, and increase traffic awareness among truck drivers. Our ultimate objective is to ensure the highest levels of safety and security for all road users in Dubai, whether in public or individual transport.”

Al Banna also stressed RTA’s commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of the land logistics sector, with Dubai serving as a major logistics hub for the region. With 73,861 registered heavy vehicles, RTA is dedicated to improving business practices, simplifying regulations, modernising fleets with zero-emission vehicles, improving driver behaviour and vehicle performance, supporting SMEs, and accelerating the adoption of modern transport technologies.

Truck rest areas

Notably, RTA has recently completed 10 truck rest stops out of 16 planned, developed in partnership with ADNOC. These rest stops are located across six strategic sites frequently used by trucks: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Emirates Road, Dubai-Hatta Road, Dubai-Al Ain Road, Jebel Ali-Lehbab Road, and Al Awir Road.

Each rest stop spans between 5,000 and 10,000 square metres, accommodating 30 to 45 trucks or heavy vehicles. The rest stops are equipped with facilities such as prayer rooms, diesel refuelling stations, and rest areas for drivers.