ABU DHABI // Motorists have been warned against overtaking on the hard shoulder as part of a road-safety awareness initiative aimed at reducing the number of traffic accidents.
Brig Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, director general of central operations at Abu Dhabi Police, said the hard shoulder was designed for emergency use by official vehicles only and driving on it or using it to overtake hinders the tasks of emergency vehicles.
To counter the problem, police have stepped up patrols across the emirate, installed more surveillance cameras and radars, and organised awareness campaigns on the dangers posed by overtaking on the hard shoulder.
Drivers have also been urged to give priority to ambulance and rescue services.
Not giving way to emergency vehicles or official convoys is a serious traffic infraction, said Col Mohammed Ibrahim Al Ameri, head of emergency and public safety department at Abu Dhabi Police.
Offenders risk a Dh500 fine, four black points and may have their vehicle impounded for a month.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
