No reduction in traffic fines this Ramadan: Dubai Police

Dubai Police will not reduce the traffic violation fines during Ramadan, reported Al Ittihad. 

The Dubai Police officials confirmed that from past experience they have learnt that such initiative has a negative impact on motorists and leads to a rise in the number of traffic-related accidents and fatalities.

Colonel Saif Mohair Al Mazroui, Acting Director of the Traffic Department at Dubai Police urged drivers to adhere to traffic regulations and not to commit offenses.

Dubai Police announced the launch of a campaign at the beginning of Ramadan titled: "Do not let your driving break your fasting.”

Colonel Saif Mohair Al Mazroui said that the campaign included intensifying traffic patrols across the emirate during Ramadan.

He added the campaign aims to reduce traffic accidents and related fatalities as well as avoid congestion at peak times, especially the hours before Iftar.

However, he pointed out that last year during Ramadan, there were 166 traffic accidents and the majority of those involved collision between two vehicles.

He added such accidents resulted in the deaths of 15 people, while were 29 seriously injured.

In 2012, 190 incidents were reported during Ramadan which resulted in death of 11 people, while 15 were seriously injured.

He mentioned that quite a few accidents have been reported during Ramadan, therefore, the department was working hard to bring down those numbers.

He appealed to drivers to be patient and not to vent their ire by speeding or committing irregularities.

He said that the department is aiming at reducing the accidents by 15%.

He affirmed that it is a major challenge in light of the steady increase in the number of vehicles and increase in the number of streets and population density.

He emphasized that the goal of the department is not to fine motorists but to raise the awareness of drivers and reduce the number of traffic accidents and irregularities during the holy month.

He pointed out that the directives of General Khamis Mattar Al Mazina, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police aims at tightening procedures particularly the hours before Iftar.

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