ABU DHABI // Police will increase the number of patrols on the roads during the holiday period to deal with an expected increase in traffic and accidents. The period starts on National Day on Dec 2 and lasts until the end of Eid al Adha. Many Haj pilgrims, including Emiratis and those travelling from Oman, will be journeying to and from Mecca and Medina. Major Ahmed Abdullah al Shamsi, the head of the traffic section in the Western Region, said the holiday season was a big challenge for police and plans were being put in place to deal with the problems.
Major Shamsi urged drivers on the way to Haj to "pay ultimate attention and focus, fasten their seat belts and not exceed speed limits". If involved in an accident or breakdown, however minor, drivers are advised to pull off on the right side of the road until their vehicles are fixed. In the event of accidents, he said drivers should note the number of the yellow roadside marker which directs police to the incident.
Patrols will also be increased in rural and urban areas. Col Hamad Adil al Shamsi, director of traffic and patrols at Abu Dhabi Police, said: "All arrangements have been made to facilitate the road travel of pilgrims to the Holy Land to perform Haj ceremonies." Col Shamsi urged transport companies and drivers to ensure their vehicles were mechanically sound before travelling. Vehicles should not be overloaded, drivers should rest whenever they feel tired, and keep to the speed limit, he advised. newsdesk@thenational.ae