The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police General Headquarters have introduced Joint Patrol Units aimed at monitoring and enforcing technical compliance among heavy vehicles in Dubai.
This initiative is part of a broader collaboration to enhance road safety and ensure the adherence of heavy vehicles to strict safety standards across six key roads: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Emirates Road, Al Khail Road, Ras Al Khor Road, Al Maktoum Airport Road, and Dubai-Al Ain Road.
His Excellency Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Assistant Commandant for Operations Affairs at Dubai Police, highlighted the initiative’s significance.
“The Joint Patrol Units will play a critical role in enforcing compliance with traffic laws and ensuring heavy vehicles are mechanically sound, which is crucial for preventing accidents,”
he said. These units will support Dubai’s 5-Year Executive Plan for the Traffic Safety Strategy, focusing on traffic enforcement, road and vehicle engineering, public awareness, and system management.
The patrols will target various aspects of safety, including tyre checks, safety equipment, lighting, and cargo management. Violations such as driving without a valid licence or exceeding weight limits will result in fines.
Major General Al Ghaithi emphasized the need for truck drivers to maintain safe distances, follow speed limits, and ensure vehicle safety through regular inspections.
Hussain Al Banna, CEO of the RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, reiterated the importance of the collaboration, noting,
“Our objective is to strengthen enforcement against heavy vehicle violations and ensure the safety of all road users. Traffic fatalities in Dubai have dropped by 93% from 2007 to 2023, and we aim to continue this trend.”
Al Banna also outlined the RTA’s efforts to modernise the logistics sector, with 73,861 registered heavy vehicles in Dubai. The RTA is focused on improving business practices, upgrading fleets to zero-emission vehicles, and promoting safer driving behaviours. Recent projects include the development of 10 truck rest stops in partnership with ADNOC, with more underway. These rest stops provide essential services for drivers, including prayer rooms and diesel stations, contributing to the overall safety of the transport sector.
The Joint Patrol Units reflect Dubai’s commitment to achieving its 'Zero Fatalities' vision, positioning the city as a global leader in road safety while enhancing its status as a major logistics hub.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
