Saturday, Dec 20, 2008
Gulf News
Sharjah: Motorists in Sharjah are avoiding road diversions by opting to drive through dirt roads near schools and residential areas.
This has given rise to concerns from parents over safety of their children outside the school premises.
The area between Al Yarmook and Al Ghubaiba was earlier used by children to ride bicycles outside their homes.
"I do not let my nephew play outside anymore because I am scared about the way the cars are driving off the road and going between the houses," said Muqeem Nawaz, who has been living in the neighbourhood for almost 20 years now.
Risk
The Public Works Department (PWD) closed the street from Al Yarmook area to the junction of King Faisal Street, and is accompanied by traffic signals to help motorists drive through the diversions.
However, motorists do not follow the road signs and drive through the unlit sandy road, posing a risk to pedestrians.
The most recent accident that occurred in the neighbourhood was over a week ago, where a schoolboy was hit by a speeding car when he was riding his bicycle.
"I am so upset on how the area has changed as a result of the diverted routes. The people drive into the neighbourhood and then get lost and do not know how to get out," said Nawaz.
The road diversion was set in place last September and is expected to last for two years, as part of the Al Wahda Road expansion project.
Gulf News 2008. All rights reserved.
