DUBAI // Motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and Dubai Tram riders have been issued a list of rules that come into force when the trams start carrying passengers on Wednesday.
The Roads and Transport Authority said it was important for residents to follow instructions to ensure safety for all.
“Motorists will have to put their hazard lights on if their vehicle breaks down on the tramway, get everyone out of the vehicle and, if they can, move their vehicle away from the tramway and park in a safe zone,” said Maitha bin Udai, chief executive of the Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA.
Ms bin Udai urged motorists to keep their headlights on if the breakdown happened at night, and to call police right away.
She said drivers should give way to trams and not enter junctions after traffic lights turned amber or red.
Drivers can be fined up to Dh30,000 and have their licence revoked for up to a year if they are deemed to have caused a fatal crash at a junction with a tramline. This is on top of any police charges.
Crash barriers are placed between cars and tram corridors as a safety measure, but Ms bin Udai said: “Do not enter prohibited areas, for your safety, as the tram cannot swerve to avoid you.”
Pedestrians, the RTA said, should also follow tram signs and be watchful while walking near tram crossings.
The trams have been equipped with warning sounds so people with special needs are alerted when the vehicle is approaching.
“They should cross roads at the designated crossings and take care near the tracks as trams make little noise. Crossing on tram corridors is strictly prohibited,” said Ms bin Udai.
All pedestrian crossings are controlled by traffic signals and anyone crossing the tracks in undesignated areas or being in prohibited zones can be hit with a fine of up to Dh1,000. Littering on the tracks can also attract fines up to Dh500.
Cyclists are also being urged not to follow the tram rails or block trams, and “should take care that their wheels do not get stuck in the rails”.
Tram users will have to be seated when the cars are in motion or hold on tight while standing, but RTA has not revealed fines for those who disobey the rules.
“To ensure a smooth and safe movement of the tram, road users are required to observe and adhere to the signs and ground markings that are tailor-made for the safe operation of the tram,” said Ahmed Bahrozyan, chief executive of RTA Licensing Agency.
“We have started educating and orienting fresh driving trainees at various driving institutes and centres in Dubai. All road users – pedestrians included – have to give way to the approaching tram, and the only exception here are emergency vehicles.
“Road users have to refrain from any activity that may directly or indirectly hamper the tram’s movement.”
One hundred and fifty traffic officers will monitor traffic at tram intersections, Dubai Police said.
Sixty-four speed cameras have also been installed to slow nearby motorists. Traffic police said the speed traps were on all streets and intersections that met the path of the trams.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
