New crackdown on minibus drivers

MINIBUS CAMPAIGN: Police are aiming to make Dubai's roads safer. (Getty Images)

The campaign against reckless drivers in Dubai has been stepped up by police chiefs.

A 10-day operation started on Tuesday focusing on the antics of minibus drivers following two recent crash tragedies in the city, UAE daily Gulf News reported on Thursday.

Seven people were killed and many others injured in two separate minibus accidents last week.

Traffic control teams have specified certain inspection points to stop reckless drivers, especially in Al Mamzar and on internal roads.

The focus of the campaign on minibuses is during morning and evening peak hours, when many reports have been received saying they tend to speed and drive recklessly while carrying passengers.

According to the latest statistics, there are around 22,526 registered minibuses in Dubai.

A total of 15,728 fines have been issued for reckless driving this year.

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Minibus drivers should be heavily monitored for speed
Posted by Murtaza R., Dubai, UAE on Monday 28 July 2008 at 11:07 UAE time

Dubai and Sharjah Police need to come down heavy on these Mini Bus and Vans who drive in the fast lane at tremendous speeds with the bus full of passengers. Can you imagine how stupid that can be?
They are taking the lives of the passengers and other drivers in their hands with this kind of driving.

The police should fine/penalise them heavily and also monitor them much more. They may be the cause/catalyst of several accidents that are happening across the city.

The mini bus driver
Posted by Ashley, Dubai, UAE on Sunday 27 July 2008 at 16:29 UAE time

For crying out loud, as long as the drivers of these mini buses do not know what safety is all about, do not expect things to get better. The traffic police can do all they want to, but I can assure you no difference in the approach of the mini bus driver when he is on the road, assuming that it is a culture of bad driving, and we all know where it stems out from.

Should be Strictly Implemented
Posted by Nike, Abu Dhabi, UAE on Saturday 26 July 2008 at 13:45 UAE time


I have noticed that the RTA has a very good laws and programs in order to make the roads of Dubai safer. However, this programs are not well strictly implemented. Like for example, Yesterday (Friday) I went to Dubai with my Family. I am driving my Car at a speed of 80-90 kph inside the Sheikh Zayed Road, but to our surprise there are lots of Company Buses, mini-buses and vans which overtakes us at a speed of more than 100kph.

That's why I am saying that the RTA programs should be strictly implemented. Those buses should be there on the roads at a max speed of 80kph only.

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