More than 13,000 Dubai drivers jump red lights in past 11 months

In that period running red lights resulted in 158 crashes in which six people were killed and 238 were injured.

DUBAI // More than 13,000 motorists have been caught driving through red lights in the emirate in the past 11 months, police say.

Despite the high number, it represents a decrease of 10 per cent on 2012 figures, said Maj Gen Mohammad Al Zafeen, head of Dubai Police traffic department.

Of the 13,095 breaches, 925 motorists were caught by police, while the rest were caught on camera.

The number of offences is also a huge reduction on 2011 figures, when there were 22,543 breaches at red lights.

“Running a red light is one of the most dangerous traffic violations, as proven by the deaths and serious injuries in accidents due to that violation,” said Gen Al Zafeen.

In the past 11 months, running red lights resulted in 158 crashes, in which six people were killed and 238 injured. The incidents also caused damage to 329 vehicles.

In 2012, red-light breaches caused 272 crashes that killed seven people, injured 305 others and damaged 447 vehicles.

Gen Al Zafeen warned motorists against increasing speed near amber traffic lights.

He said drivers not heeding red lights faced a fine of Dh800, having their vehicles impounded for 15 days and receiving eight demerit points.