Learner drivers taught how to share the road with trams

Cars for the Al Sufouh Tram system parked near the main station, waiting to enter service in Dubai on November 11. Antonie Robertson / The National

DUBAI // Learner drivers are being trained on 10 new road signs and seven new markings that will take effect when the Dubai Tram begins operating later this year.

Driving schools have introduced mandatory classes to teach students how to interpret the signs and avoid accidents while sharing the road with the tram, which will be launched on November 11.

The Al Sufouh Tram project is the first of its kind outside Europe and will be powered by electricity. The first phase will run along a 10.6 kilometre track from Dubai Marina to the tram depot near Dubai Police Academy.

The network will initially have 11 trams running through 17 stations, with another 14 in the second phase.

“We are teaching learner drivers the meaning of new and different road signs,” said P M Abdul Razak, assistant manager for the Instructor Training Centre at the Emirates Driving Institute, Dubai.

“We show them how to spot if a tram is coming from one or both sides, explain tram crossings, when to reduce speed, what the zigzag lines mean, how to drive in a tram box junction and what to do in an intersection where there are no signals and, most importantly, about pedestrian crossings on tram tracks.”

Mr Abdul Razak said because the tram was new to UAE roads, it was important that motorists paid attention.

“People aren’t used to all four traffic signals being red at the same time to allow a tram to pass. Similarly, there will be intersections where there may be no traffic lights but the red tramline markings will indicate that people have to look and cross.

“These signs are different from what people already know but it is very simple to learn them. A tram is a heavy machine and if people are not careful, the consequences can be disastrous. All road users must take time to learn these signs.”

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said it had instructed driving schools to dedicate a lesson to familiarising students with the tram rules from October last year.

“At the driving institutes, students must attend compulsory theoretical lessons,” said Hussain Ali Al Saffar, the RTA’s director for drivers training and qualifications.

“The tram rules and regulations will be covered by the theory instructor and delivered to students. The information is also published in our guide to safe driving handbook, which is issued to all new students.”

Mr Al Saffar said learners would also be shown a video of the tram and urged to approach with caution. Signs warn motorists of the position of a tram when it is crossing a road and instruct them to reduce speed and be prepared to stop if necessary.

The rules are not confined to motorists. Pedestrians and cyclists will be asked not to use mobile phones or headphones near the tram tracks and to cross only at designated points.

“It tells pedestrians how they must cross tram lines and which side to look,” said Nissar Ahmed, a master trainer at Al Ahli Driving School. “There are thick yellow and black lines for crossings.

“There are zigzag lines on the roads that are similar to the bold lines that mean you can’t change lanes,” said Mr Ahmed. “It means people have to concentrate while driving.

“Motorists should understand when they are going over tracks and when they have to give way to trams. Questions relating to trams will be added to the licence tests by the end of the year.”