FUJAIRAH // There was an increase in deaths on the roads in Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain last year.
Figures released at Gulf Traffic week showed that in 2014 there were 28 deaths last year in Fujairah, compared to 23 the previous year, and 12 in Umm Al Quwain, compared with 10 in 2013.
Three of the deaths in Umm Al Quwain were in desert areas.
Colonel Dr Ali Al Yamahi, Director of Traffic and Patrols Department at Fujairah Police said that his team was working around the clock to assure motorists’ compliance with traffic laws and reduce accidents.
“The high rates in deaths which occurred during the last year, is caused by the non-use of personal safety devices, non-compliance with traffic laws, speeding and reckless driving
“We are working so hard on maintaining the record of the administration in relation to the objective of the interior ministry to reduce the rate of accidents by 1 per cent per year.”
He said that after the opening of the new Yabsa ring-road which links Sheikh Maktoum Street with Fujairah Sea Port, lorries and heavy vehicles have been banned from entering the city.
“The ban started yesterday on lorries and in case of violating the rules, the driver will be issued a ticket of Dh200 dirhams with four black points and vehicle confiscation for a week.
“This ban will reduce the number of traffic incidents and will end traffic jams in Fujairah city,” he said.
Brigadier General Rashed Bin Ahmed Al Mualla, Commander-in-Chief of Umm Al Quwain Police said that the major causes of traffic accidents are speeding, inattention and distraction.
He urged all road users, whether motorists and pedestrians, to abide by traffic rules and regulations.
rhaza@thenational.ae
