Nahda residents risk life, Dh200 fine to avoid Dh20 cab fare

Residents of Al Nahda, located on the Dubai-Sharjah border, need a pedestrian over-bridge or a zebra crossing, to help them cross the road safely.

The Amman Street or D97 is a popular crossover point for those commuters who access this area to reach either side of the border.

The stretch near the fenced border behind Sahara Centre mall is the most popular crossover spot. Not only does this stretch gain popularity for saving commuters from traffic clogs, it also earns them Dh20-savings in cross-border taxi fare.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that every few minutes, you can spot people dangerously dodging speeding cars to reach the other side of the road.

“It’s scary to watch people do this day in and day out. I wonder when action will be taken?” said Nadia K, a resident in the area. “It’s an area where a disaster is waiting to happen.”

While authorities have issued Dh200 as penalty for jaywalkers, the situation remains unchanged.

Dubai Police has also warned against jaywalking on their official twitter handle. “Crossing the road from non-designated places can endanger your life and result in a fine of Dh200.”

Although the penalty might stop some people from running across, the solution, residents believe, lies in putting zebra crossings or setting up a pedestrian over-bridge.

Many motorists admit that the stretch is tricky to drive through because of the jaywalkers. “Most pedestrians don’t check if the road is clear and blindly run across. So, if we aren’t watchful, then it could end in a tragedy,” observes Abraham, who drives through that stretch daily.

The road does have a zebra crossing at the NMC signal, which many commuters complain is a good 10-15 minute walk away from the Sahara Centre area - especially during the current peak summer day times.

“In this heat, it’s easier to run across. I know it’s not ideal and can be dangerous, but we have no other alternative,” explains a commuter, who did not wish to be named.

Emirates24|7 contacted the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to check whether this road features in their road development plan but didn’t manage to receive a clarification by the time of publishing this article.

Earlier this month, the RTA had released its plans to construct 19 pedestrian bridges in various parts of Dubai. The project, which will be phased out and completed in 2016, will take the total number of bridges to 120.

In a press statement, the RTA stated that the 10 pedestrian bridges are to be completed in 2015-16 will be built at a cost of Dh40million.

Two pedestrian bridges will be constructed at Bani Yas Street; the first will be near the premises of the Dubai Department of Land, and the second will be near the premises of the Dubai Municipality.

One bridge will be constructed at each of the following streets; Khalid bin Al Waleed Street (near Rifaa-Saadiyat Intersection), Al Nahda Street (nearby Al Tawar Center), Al Ittihad Street (nearby Dnata), Al Maraabi Street (Road 323), Al Mankhool Street, Latifa bint Hamdan Street (near Al Khail Mall), Al Ribat Street (near Bel Remaitha Club), and the Dubai–Al Ain Road (near Skycourts complex).

RTA Chairman and Executive Director has called on citizens, residents and visitors to use the bridges and subways designated for crossing roads, and urged motorists to abide by the specific speed limits and to slow down at pedestrian crossing points for their own safety and the safety of road users.

Also read:

Al Nahda jaywalkers face Dh250 fine

Major revamp of Dubai's Al Nahda community this year

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