UAE traffic council calls for tough laws on offenders

The Federal Traffic Council is calling for harsher punishments for those who jump red lights and go over speed limits by more than 60km per hour.

Dubai // Motorists who drive more than 60 kilometres per hour over the speed limit should be subjected to harsher punishments, said the Federal Traffic Council.

The council also called for more severe consequences for drivers of heavy vehicles who run a red light.

It suggested a new law should be in place to punish those who put their bodies outside a moving vehicle.

The suggestions will be presented to the Interior Ministry, which will take a decision on them, said Maj Gen Mohammed Al Zafeen, head of the Dubai Police traffic department.

Most council members agreed that people who go 60kph over the speed limit should have their cars confiscated for two months instead of one month, he said, adding that they should have to pay a Dh2,000 fine.

Maj Gen Al Zafeen added that they should also receive 12 black points on their driver’s licence.

“The purpose of increasing the fine for those who drive over 60 kilometres per hour over the speed limit is to save innocent lives,” he said.

“Studies show that 90 per cent of traffic accidents are a result of speeding.”

Meanwhile, the council also suggested that drivers of heavy vehicles that weigh three tonnes or more should receive 23 black points and should have to pay a Dh5,000 fine if they are caught running a red light.

Maj Gen Al Zafeen said: “The sole purpose of these harsher suggestions is to put a limit to accidents and not for financial gain as is rumoured.”

He added that what drove the council to suggest amending these laws were those drivers who were not abiding by traffic laws and those who caused dangerous accidents.

“The Federal Traffic Council’s suggestions are to promote public security and safety,” Maj Gen Al Zafeen said.