Public help Dubai police catch nearly 30,000 traffic offenders in 2021

Reports from the public, Dubai police officers and CCTV resulted in 58,201 traffic fines in the emirate last year

Dubai police's "We Are All Police" issued more than 50,000 fines against law-breaking motorists last year after residents and officers reported violations. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A Dubai police programme that allows members of the public to report traffic violations resulted in 28,662 fines being issued against law-breaking drivers last year.

Another 21,283 fines were issued after offences were reported by Dubai police officers.

An additional 8,256 fines were issued against drivers caught breaking the law on CCTV surveillance cameras across the emirate.

“The 'We Are All Police' programme enables public members to take part in ensuring the safety and security of Dubai roads,” said Brig Saif Al Mazrouei, head of Dubai Police’s Traffic Department.

“This is by reporting reckless drivers and traffic violations easily via Dubai Police smart app or by calling Dubai Police's call centre 901.”

Fines are not issued immediately after reports are lodged by public members, as the offence needs to be verified.

“Traffic experts first verify the report, check cameras, and contact violators to warn them before issuing any fines,” said Brig Saif.

Brig Saif said only reports filed by police officers result in the immediate issuance of fines.

“Our police officers can also report violations using the app or calling the command centre and in this case, the fine will be issued immediately without verification,” said Brig Saif.

The senior officer warned that legal action will be taken against people who misuse the service to falsely report other motorists.

He urged the public to continue to help the force in ensuring the safety of the emirate’s roads by reporting offences that may happen to them or to others through the programme.

Last year, a total of 695 motorists had their drivers licences suspended, compared with 412 in 2020, for offences such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, along with other traffic violations.

The total number of traffic cases handled by prosecutors in 2021 was 11,567, up from 7,371 in 2020 and 7,287 in 2019.

Dubai Police dogs in action: in pictures

Van Cleaf, a police dog, aged 8, with his handler Noura Yaqoub, a first corporal officer. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National

Van Cleaf's handler Noura Yaqoub.

Cobra, a cocker spaniel, with his handler Salah Al Dhafer, a corporal officer.

Cobra and handler Salah Al Dhafer take a break from walkies.

The police dogs are trained to sniff out drugs and can even smell Covid-19.

A police dog with Second Lt Maryam Beljafflah, a vet at the K9 unit.

Cobra greets handler Salah Al Dhafer.