Drivers back Sharjah speed limit reduction on residential streets but not motorways

Police have said they are looking at reducing speed limits in the emirate after finding that the main cause of road deaths was excessive speed and reckless driving.

DUBAI // Drivers in Sharjah have backed a cut in speed limits on residential roads but said officials should install more cameras on motorways, instead of lowering speeds there.

Sharjah Police’s traffic and patrols department said on Tuesday that it was looking at reducing the speed limits on some of the emirate’s motorways and streets after officials found reckless driving and excessive speeding to be the main cause of fatalities.

“We see people speeding inside Sharjah at 80 or 100kph,” said Sean D’Souza, who lives in Sharjah and works in Dubai.

“There are small kids and elderly people crossing roads. It’s very unsafe if people drive so fast. It is important to reduce the speed on these roads.”

During Ramadan, five people were killed on Sharjah’s roads in 22 accidents that also left five people seriously injured and 23 with minor to moderate injuries.

During Ramadan last year, 26 accidents left three dead, five seriously injured and 33 people with slight injuries.

Mr D’Souza said it was not the speed limits on motorways that was an issue, but a lack of adherence to them.

“Officials need to install more cameras on the Emirates Road and Maliha Road. Right now, the cameras are two to three kilometres apart. We need cameras every 500 metres to a kilometre so offenders can be fined and their speed can be curtailed. Many people drive over 140kph between these cameras.”

Sheikh Mohammed Ali, who also lives in Sharjah, agreed.

“We definitely need more cameras on the highways,” said the graphic designer, who commutes to Dubai for work.

“Reducing speeds isn’t the solution. It will take us more time to get home if the speed on Emirates Road is cut down to 100kph. Instead, officials should look at reducing speed limits on internal roads to 40kph. Many drive very fast and are extremely reckless. There are small children and elderly people using these roads. It’s dangerous.”

Mr Ali also called for more pedestrian crossings and walkway bridges over roads. “So many roads need zebra crossings. For instance, we need a pedestrian crossing or bridge near Ansar Mall. There is a mosque close by and it is impossible to get easily to the mosque to pray. People keep trying to cross the roads dangerously, especially on Fridays. It is risky for pedestrians and motorists.”

Sujeet Krishnan, who uses the busy Al Ittihad Road, said it was not easy for those on foot. “We can’t blame pedestrians trying to run across the road,” said Mr Krishnan, who lives near the University of Sharjah.

“But if an accident occurs, the motorist is held legally responsible. We need more bridges.”

Mr Krishnan said the speed should be maintained at 40kph near school intersections.

“That speed is good near schools. But, it should not be reduced in all internal roads, like Al Wadha street, which joins Al Ittihad road. If it is further lessened, it will be very difficult for motorists to reach work on time.”

He said authorities are undertaking plenty of roadworks to ease congestion and increase safety.

“It is improving but more needs to be done. The change is slow compared to Dubai,” he said.