Abu Dhabi bans lorries during rush hour

RUSH HOUR: Set to be less of a struggle as ban on lorries is implemented. (Getty Images)

Lorries will be banned from Abu Dhabi’s roads during morning and evening rush hours of the day, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday.

The ban applies to all lorries, or heavy vehicles weighing over 2.5 tons and will come into effect from Sunday between the hours of 6am and 8am, and 1pm and 3pm. Violators will be fined AED1,000 and their vehicles confiscated for up to 14 days. Drivers will also be given eight points on their license.

The initiative comes in response to an increased number of development projects such as those on Al Reem Island and Al Raha Beach, which has led to heavier traffic congestion. The legislation also aims to make roads safer.

Major roads including Salam Street and Raha Beach from Sal Al Nakl to Al Shahama will be lorry free during the week; but lorries will be able to use the roads on public holidays and at weekends, the National newspaper reported.

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READERS' COMMENTS

The afternoon timing is wrong
Posted by Abdulla, ABu Dhabi, UAE on Sunday 5 July 2009 at 12:39 UAE time


To be honest with you, I don't know who advised the traffic department about the rush hours in the afternoon (1 to 3)? It is very strange to set the timing from 1 to 3. The real rush hour in Abu Dhabi is from 2:30PM to 4:30PM. Most government offices closes at 2:30PM and all Oil sector (ADNOC group) closes at 3:00PM. So the traffice department should adjust these timings. The morning timing is fine.

Lorry Ban
Posted by Murtaza Poonawala, Abu Dhabi, UAE on Sunday 5 July 2009 at 08:35 UAE time


Well atleast in relevance with the construction sector the timings are not properly thought of.
The construction sites are off from 12-3 as we know it, so companies transacting business with these sites are totally paraylsed with the trafic ban and he mid-day ban. That leaves very few hours in the day to actually get work done.

A mistake in timing
Posted by isalem, ابوظبي, UAE on Sunday 5 July 2009 at 07:56 UAE time


Although the decision of such ban is needed & welcomed, but I believe the afternoon rush hour is set wrongfully. All companies and most of the government authorities finish work at 3 PM. also many schools finishes at 2 PM, so the real rush hour is between 2 to 4 PM.

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