Wednesday, Mar 14, 2012
Gulf News
Sharjah Authorities in Sharjah yesterday said a study had to be first carried out along Buhairah Corniche before they could install further traffic lights and speed humps to keep pedestrians safe.
The statement was made after two young women were fatally knocked down on Monday by a speeding vehicle along the Buhairah Corniche Road, the long stretch of road that overlooks Khalid Lagoon, which has turned into a dangerous pedestrian hotspot.
Officials from Sharjah Municipality and the Directorate of Public Works (DPW) in Sharjah however claimed the Buhairah Corniche Road was safe for pedestrians as numerous speed bumps were installed.
“The area is a residential one, so that is why a number of speed humps have already been allocated, and there are also signboards that clearly state what the speed limit is,” said Sultan Al Mualla, director general of Sharjah Municipality.
‘Speed bumps’
“We cannot install more speed humps unless police carry out their own study and propose a plan for us to increase safety precautions. It is the responsibility of Sharjah Police to check the dangerous zones in the city and if they state that some exits have to be closed or more traffic lights should be installed, then we will do so,” said Al Mualla.
An official from DPW said each area had to be carefully studied in cooperation with Sharjah Police, before alterations to the road were made.
“If we see that there is an increasing number of pedestrian accidents in an area, we will dispatch engineers to closely monitor the site for at least several hours a day over a certain period of time. Based on the engineers’ recommendations, we will then coordinate with police and the municipality to install further safety requirements,” said the official.
Easy access
The road is one that is commonly used by pedestrians and motorists alike, as it is not only home to popular leisure destinations but also provides easy access to Dubai via Al Khan Bridge.
The tragic incident occurred on Monday around 5.30pm as the two young Indian girls crossed the road. They were suddenly hit by a vehicle travelling at a speed of more than 120 kilometres per hour on a road that had a 80km per hour speed limit, police said.
An official at Sharjah Police said the elder girl, identified as Mitthi Singh, 21, was killed on the spot. Mariam Ahmad, 17, died later in hospital.
A woman has been detained by Sharjah Police. The case is to be referred to Sharjah Public Prosecution.
We cannot install more speed humps unless police carry out their own study and propose a plan for us to increase safety precautions.”
Sultan Al Mualla
Director general, Sharjah Municipality
By Mariam M. Al Serkal Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2012. All rights reserved.
