Monday, May 19, 2014
Dubai: Speed limits on roads surrounding the Dubai Tram area have been reduced effective June 1.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that the maximum speed limit on Al Sufouh Street, starting from the intersection with Umm Suqeim street up to Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) will be reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h.
The move follows studies on the impacts of Dubai Tram which will run along Al Sufouh Road, up to Dubai Marina and JBR.
“RTA’s decision to reduce the speed limit on Al Sufouh street, which is classified as an arterial street, was taken following studies which demanded reducing the speed limit to ensure safety of all road users,” said Maitha Obaid Bin Udai, CEO of RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency.
She added that the step also fits well with the speed limits applied northward on Jumeirah Street (70 km/h), and southward in JBR (60 km/h).
“We also consulted with Dubai Police experts who also stressed the importance of reducing the speed on this road. All the radars on the road will be recalibrated according to the new speed limit from June 1. The radars will issue violations at the speed of 81km/h,” she said.
She urged motorists to stick to the specified limits to avoid accidents and fines.
Highlighting the key reasons behind the decision, Maitha said: “With the opening of Dubai Tram, which will operate five stations on the 2.5 kilometre stretch of Al Sufouh Street, there will be greater pedestrian movement, which will require ensuring greater safety of people.”
She added that these stations will be fitted with key services and will be integrated with other transit modes to meet public needs and encourage more usage of mass transportation through the provision of pedestrian crossings, pick-up and drop-off points, bus stops, taxi ranks, and car parks.
RTA also recently announced a traffic detour on Al Sufouh Street that started on May 16 and will continue until July 15. The diversion is to enable RTA to carry out structural works relating to Dubai Tram.
Phase one of Dubai Tram is scheduled to begin operation from November this year, covering 10.6 kilometres of the total 14.6 kilometres. The tram tracks stretch from Dubai Police Academy to Dubai Marina, passing through Dubai Media City and Knowledge Village.
Dubai Tram will be served by 11 stations in phase one, while six more stations will open in the next phase.
Trial runs on the tram began earlier this year with all work progressing on schedule for the November opening.
By Shafaat ?Shahbandari Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2014. All rights reserved.
