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29 March 2024

RTA accident-protocol near Dubai Tram

Published
By Staff

In half-a-year time, Dubai Tram will start functioning as a mode of transportation. From Sufouh area up to Dubai Marina, it will be fully integrated with the existing road network. Therefore, traffic on these streets will be altered.

In anticipation of the new participant in the emirate’s traffic, a mechanism has been developed in order to deal with any possible accident taking place in the vicinity of Dubai Tram.

The Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Public Prosecution of Dubai have signed the Service Level Agreement, which prescribes the steps to be taken in case of such accident.

An accident in the vicinity of the tram must be reported to the Traffic Prosecution immediately by the tram operator or the traffic police officer onsite. The Traffic Prosecution will examine the situation and take decisions regarding the removal of victims, in order to avoid delaying or disrupting the programmed tram operation.

The tram operator or traffic policemen onsite are also responsible for the collection of evidence in the form of video footages filmed by tram built-in surveillance cameras or other surveillance cameras deployed in the vicinity of the Dubai Tram.

In every case, Dubai Tram has right of way, and obstruction of the tram may be penalised with hefty fines. Crossing a red traffic signal at the intersection area with the tramway causing an accident that leads to the death of a person is punishable with a fine between Dh10,000 and Dh30,000, in addition to revoking the driver's licence for a period of up to one year.

When crossing a red traffic light at the tramway intersection and causing an accident leading to injuries, the offender can be fined between Dh5,000 and Dh15,000, while crossing a red traffic light at the tramway intersection area without causing an accident is punishable with a fine between Dh2,000 and Dh5,000.

The RTA and the Public Prosecution have agreed to form a joint committee to coordinate in accidents that occur on the right of way of the Dubai Tram.

The committee will hold periodical meetings or convene as required, and shall be responsible for the supervision of the running of the service and delivering it as provided for in the MoU, submitting reports to both parties, making recommendations regarding key issues related to the services that need to be decided by the top management, as well as overcoming obstacles and seeking to resolve any issues submitted to the committee.