Minibuses will have their speeds limited, say Dubai police

Minibuses will have their speeds limited, say Dubai police

By Alia Al Theeb, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: July 29, 2008, 00:05

Dubai: Minibuses will soon be fitted with speed limiting devices, a senior police official said on Monday.

Brigadier Mohammad Saif Al Zafein, Director of Dubai Police's Traffic Department, on Monday held a meeting with representatives of more than 50 companies that own or rent minibuses. The open discussion aimed at pinpointing the problems and the reasons behind the increasing number of traffic offences and accidents involving minibuses.

Check at 100km/hr

Brigadier Al Zafein said there is a plan to install speed limiters in minibuses which will prevent drivers from exceeding the speed of 100km an hour.
He said there is coordination between the traffic department and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) regarding this plan which will contribute in reducing fatal accidents.


"Most minibuses which were involved in fatal accidents and resulted in high number of victims were speeding excessively which does not suit the vehicle's nature," he said.

He pointed out to the minibus accident which took place on Shaikh Rashid Road two weeks ago and claimed five lives.

"The driver of that minibus was speeding at 140km/hr to 160km/hr," he said. He said in the next phase, they will meet with drivers of minibuses.

Brigadier Al Zafein said the traffic department confiscated 65 minibuses as part of a campaign launched to crack down on offences committed by minibus drivers. The vehicles were confiscated for 30 days for reckless driving and overloading with passengers.

Offence: 'Most are reckless'

Brigadier Mohammad Saif Al Zafein, Director of Dubai Police's Traffic Department, said according to him 99.9 per cent of minibus drivers are reckless drivers and they commit four common offences which are, excessive speeding, changing lanes without indications and not abiding by lane lines, overloading of passengers and tailgating.