An inspection of taxis in Dubai found nearly 650 breaches of social-distancing rules put in place during the coronavirus outbreak.
The offences were spotted during a campaign carried out by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
More than 6,500 vehicles were inspected to ensure drivers and passengers adhered to safety guidelines.
Anyone using public transport in the UAE should keep a safe distance from other passengers.
Those using taxis should always sit in the back seat and plastic screens to separate the driver and passengers will remain in place.
Face masks should be worn at all times in public places.
“The RTA is keen to intensify inspection campaigns on all public transport services in Dubai, especially during the current climate,” said Saeed Al Baluchi, the authority's director of passenger transport monitoring activities.
“As part of such efforts, we carried out an inspection process that covered 6,510 taxis out of 11,000 taxis operating in Dubai.
“The inspection, which focused on compliance with physical distancing of passengers, resulted in 643 offences.”
The authority inspected the cars of Dubai Taxi and six other companies.
“The inspections also included site visits to the premises of franchise companies to verify their compliance with the disinfection and precautionary health measures taken at their offices to ensure a safe and healthy working environment,” Mr Al Baluchi said.
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An Emirati man waits to be seen at the Passports Department as civil servants return to work following the easing of restrictions in Dubai. AFP -
Chairs at the Passports Department are set up to adhere to social distancing as civil servants return to work following the easing of restrictions in Dubai. AFP -
Nur Kumari Dhungel works at Fairouz Coffee & Roastery with her husband Ram Kumar. The roastery specializes in Arabic coffee, Turkish coffee, and specialty espresso coffee beans. Reem Mohammed/The National -
Abra or water taxi services resume with a reduction in passengers. Antonie Robertson / The National -
A man selling souvenirs browses his phone while wearing a face mask as he waits for potential clients. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Women walk along the beach in Dubai as the sun rises. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Shops within Souk Khabeer, in the old part of Bur Dubai. It remains closed. Antonie Robertson / The National -
A door man smiles at the camera while waiting inside a restaurant for patrons to arrive. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Two women take a selfie while walking along Dubai Creek. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Dubai Mall’s Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Malls in Dubai have fully reopened, allowing 100 per cent capacity. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Staffers at Hafiz Mustafa store in Dubai Mall wear mandatory face masks as part of safety measures against coronavirus. Reem Mohammed / The National -
A man wears. a face mask at 'At The Top' in Burj Khalifa. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Visitors wear masks are they take a look arround at 'At The Top' in Burj Khalifa. Reem Mohammed/The National -
A sign shows the rules for visitors when going to At The Top, Burj Khalifa. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Signs requiring people to social distance at Dubai Mall’s Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Reem Mohammed / The National
“RTA inspectors covered the entire facilities of taxi operators and reported full compliance with health measures in place.”
Similar inspections will be carried out in the coming months, he said.
“The Passengers Transport Monitoring Activities Department is keen to mobilise all efforts to combat the outbreak of Covid-19,” he said.
“The importance of such campaigns is heightened with the resumption of normal business in Dubai, which requires continued monitoring of passenger transport activities.”
