Tram impact: More speed cameras on Dubai roads soon

Residents will be facing new speed control cameras in the near future as the Dubai Traffic Chief confirms more radars are in the pipeline to ensure road safety with the onset of the Tram service.

During a recent inspection of the progress of the Dubai Tram project, Colonel Saif Al Mazrouei, Director-General, Directorate of Traffic, Dubai Police, stated plans were underway for the installation of a number of new radars in the surrounding streets and tram intersections Tram.

He added that the installation of these devices on speed controlling devices in the neighbourhood surrounding the Tram was essential to maintain the integrity of motorists and road users and warn them of the dangers of traffic accidents caused by over-speeding.

From June 1, the maximum speed limit on Al Sufouh Road was reduced from 80kmph to 60kmph, with radars re-programmed to capture anybody passing at 81kmph or above.

The reduction in the maximum speed limit was announced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), with Maitha bin Udai, CEO of RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency (TRA), saying at the time: “RTA’s decision to reduce the speed limit of Al Safouh Street, which is classified as an arterial street, was taken in the light of studies about the impacts of the Dubai Tram with a view to ensuring a smooth and safe traffic flow in the area.”

Dubai Tram is expected to be fully functional in November this year, with Al Sufouh area forming an integral part of its route.

The first phase of Dubai Tram will function along a track of 10.6km, serving 11 stations in popular communities such as Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai Marina and Al Sufouh area.

Al Sufouh will have five Tram stations that will be opened over its 2.5km-long stretch, which is expected to have a considerable impact on traffic in the area.

Pedestrian crossings, pick-up and drop-off points, bus stops, taxi ranks, and car parks will be established to encourage usage of mass transportation and smoothly integrate the Tram with other transit modes without crippling the traffic movement, explained Maitha.

“The step also fits well with the speed limits applied to the northward in the Jumeirah Street (70 km/h), and to the southward in the JBR (60 km/h),” she added.

Authorities have stated sufficient directional and awareness signage will be erected to display the permissible speed on this part of the street, and help streamline traffic flow where it intersects with the Tram.

Phase two of the Tram route will link up with the Palm Monorail and the Dubai Metro station at Mall of the Emirates.

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