The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police General Headquarters have introduced joint patrol units dedicated to the monitoring and enforcement of technical compliance among heavy vehicles. These patrol units will operate on six key roads: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Emirates Road, Al Khail Road, Ras Al Khor Road, Al Maktoum Airport Road, and Dubai-Al Ain Road. Heavy vehicles found in violation of safety standards that endanger vehicles, roads, or road users will face fines.
Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Assistant Commandant for Operations Affairs at Dubai Police, emphasized that the deployment of joint patrol units for heavy vehicles on Dubai's major roads is a collaborative effort between Dubai Police and RTA to implement the 5-Year Executive Plan for the Traffic Safety Strategy. He added that these patrol units will ensure adherence to traffic laws and proper mechanical maintenance of heavy vehicles, essential for preventing severe accidents and managing truck movements safely.
Hussain Al Banna, CEO of the Traffic and Roads Agency at the RTA, highlighted that RTA and Dubai Police are jointly monitoring heavy vehicles on highways to ensure compliance with technical and safety standards. Any detected violations that compromise safety will result in fines issued by police officers. Inspections will cover various aspects, including tyre safety, availability of safety equipment, lighting efficiency, overloading, protruding cargo, and driving without a valid licence or permit.
Al Banna further stated that the aim is to enhance enforcement against heavy vehicle violations, promote traffic safety, and work towards the 'Zero Fatalities' vision, positioning Dubai as a global leader in road safety. Remarkably, traffic-related fatalities have decreased by 93% between 2007 and 2023. These Joint Patrol Units support joint efforts with Dubai Police to improve traffic safety, reduce truck-related incidents, and increase traffic awareness among truck drivers. The ultimate goal is to ensure the highest levels of safety and security for all road users in Dubai, whether in public or individual transport.
Major General Al Ghaithi also urged heavy vehicle drivers to comply with traffic laws, follow speed limits, maintain safe distances, conduct regular vehicle inspections, take necessary breaks on long journeys, avoid distractions, and ensure tyre safety. Notably, RTA has recently completed 10 truck rest stops out of 16 planned, developed in partnership with ADNOC. These rest stops are located across six strategic sites frequently used by trucks: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Emirates Road, Dubai-Hatta Road, Dubai-Al Ain Road, Jebel Ali-Lehbab Road, and Al Awir Road. Each rest stop spans between 5,000 and 10,000 square metres, accommodating 30 to 45 trucks or heavy vehicles. The rest stops are equipped with facilities such as prayer rooms, diesel refuelling stations, and rest areas for drivers.
