Border Reiver

From today's Time Out:

Number of speed cameras in Dubai by end of this year: 513
Number of mobile cameras soon to be in operation: 30
Number of speeding offences in 2007: 1,182,000
Number of cameras on Emirates Road, Business Bay and Garhoud Bridge Crossings: 241

This blanket coverage suggests that either the authorities don't have any idea about what else might improve road safety (better driving instructors, more effective police patrols) or they just like the idea of raking in 236,400,000 Dhs a year in fines. Or both.

Robbies

I have a question. Do UAE nationals have to pay fines?

Anyway, speeding fines are no discouragement for a number of people. 200 AED is not much for some (under 30 GBP). Points are the real deterrant.

I know of someone here who got 8 speeding fines and 1 driving through a red light fine, in 6 months here. In the UK, that would equate to 27 points + fines that are higher than here. 27 points = enough to be banned twice.

If you got a driving ban here for it, it would make you think twice about 140 down SZR or 160 along Emirates Road.

Blue Cat

Locals to pay fines. I agree a points system with banning is the right way to go. Frightening figures BR

Border Reiver

If they actually spend some of that 236 Million on making the roads safer I would say great, increase the fines and spend some more. Sadly I don't think there is any real intent to improve road safety here. I think it was Blue Cat that said in a previous post that it is perfectly possible to go speeding past a police car at 150kph with no seatbelt on and talking on your mobile and they won't do anything.

Maybe it is a cultural thing- Ins'allah (sp?) and so on.

Blue Cat

they seem to be more on the ball when it comes to drugs though. This has to be looked into more seriously by the Government though, it is becoming a major issue. I think twice before driving anywhere these days

Eeyore

Banning won't achieve anything. Just consider the number of people driving without licenses and/or insurance already. You have to jail people, that's the only deterrent that might actually work.

Blue Cat

they have adopted this method in Abu Dhabi

nottmbantam

I spell it insha'allah, but I don't think there is a standard dictionary type correct spelling of it ( and other arabic sayings ).

arbroath_abroad

they have???