"Leave the Car and Walk with Pride"

Article regarding UAE National Day, December 2, 2012.

"Leave the Car and Walk with Pride"

Cops fed up with National Day traffic chaos warn that vehicles involved in unofficial parades will be clamped

 

Traffic police in Dubai have had enough of unruly road users spoiling the UAE's big day and have vowed to clamp down on menacing motorists this weekend - literally.

 

Officers have warned that steering wheels will be locked and cars clamped if drivers are found parading around Dubai in convoys during celebrations for UAE's 41st National Day.  Instead of hopping in cars and honking horns to celebrate, residents have been urged to out out and walk with friends as they embrace the occasion.

 

General Mohammed Saif Al Zafeen, head of Dubai Traffic Police, said: "All car parades are banned this year.  I want people to march on foot to celebrate this year."

 

However, Al Zafeen said the force is prepared for the potential chaos on the roads with 500 officers on the streets on Saturday and Sunday.

 

"Our patrols will be everywhere on these two days," he added.  "We will clamp cars violating these rules at the side of the road or lock the steering wheels for at least eight hours.  Drivers must respect traffic laws.  Celebrating National Day is not a reason to commit violations.  On National Day weekend last year we seized about 1,000 vehicles."

 

Al Zafeen added: "They were seized for different violations and the top reason for doing so was motorists' reckless and noisy driving.  Some drivers were even caught spraying colored aerosols on other road users and passerby and throwing rubbish from vehicles.  This is not acceptable."  He warned: "All the chaos is usually focused on Jumeriah Beach Road.  We will seize cars for a minimum of three months if people commit violations." 

 

However, the traffic cop said it is not only Dubai resident to blame.  "For three years we have seen the same behavior and same chaos happening," he said.  "People come from other provinces and even from GCC countries to commit violations on Dubai roads." 

 

Statistics show 24 accidents and 1,345 traffic offenses were recorded last year.  A child, who was hanging out of a car, [you see that ALL the time...] died when the driver made a sharp turn.  Al Zafeen added: "There was a case of a pregnant woman in labor who was stuck in traffic for hours in Jumeriah.  She almost gave birth inside the vehicle.  I know people who book in hotels outside Dubai to escape from the noise on Jumeriah Beach Road."