Dubai: Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police reviewed the progress of the Dubai Traffic Safety Strategy and discussed public transport security needs.
The meeting, held on July 10th, 2024, highlighted significant achievements and plans for ensuring safety on Dubai's roads.
A strategic partnership
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, and His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, commended the collaboration for achieving the goals of the Dubai Traffic Safety Strategy, particularly in reducing traffic fatalities.
Dubai has witnessed a remarkable 93% drop in traffic accident fatalities between 2007 and 2023 due to joint efforts on enforcement, infrastructure development, traffic awareness campaigns, and robust traffic management systems.
Traffic safety achievements
The meeting reviewed the implementation of the Dubai Traffic Safety Strategy 2022-2026. This plan focuses on four key pillars: Enforcement, Roads and Vehicles Engineering, Traffic Awareness, and Systems & Management. It was reported that all annual targets for the 2023 Traffic Safety Strategy had been achieved.
Dubai recorded a fatality rate of 1.6 deaths per 100,000 people in 2023, surpassing the target of 2.0 deaths. This represents the emirate's lowest fatality rate to date, solidifying its position as one of the world's safest cities for traffic.
Strategic initiatives for safer roads
Several key initiatives contributed to the 2023 success story. These included:
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Enhanced enforcement measures targeting serious violations involving pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists, and scooter riders. Over 500,000 violations were issued in this regard.
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Construction of 32 raised pedestrian crossings and improvements at over 200 locations frequented by users of individual mobility means.
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Studying and addressing traffic safety concerns at 29 locations with recurring incidents.
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Implementing a smart management project for public transport drivers.
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Conducting joint traffic awareness and enforcement campaigns.
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Launching targeted awareness and inspection campaigns for delivery motorcycle drivers.
Blue Line project
The meeting also addressed the safety considerations for the upcoming Blue Line project. This 30-kilometer extension of the Dubai Metro will feature a 15-kilometer underground route with 14 stations (9 elevated and 5 underground).
The Blue Line will connect with the existing Red and Green Lines, serving key areas with a projected population of one million by 2040. It will also provide a direct link to Dubai International Airport. Upon completion, the Blue Line is expected to serve 200,000 passengers daily, increasing to 320,000 by 2040.
Safety remains a top priority for the Blue Line project. Discussions between RTA and Dubai Police focused on ensuring the security of passengers and assets throughout the project.
The successful collaboration between RTA and Dubai Police is a testament to their commitment to creating a safe and sustainable transportation network for Dubai. The ongoing efforts to improve traffic safety and public transport security will further enhance Dubai's reputation as a global leader in urban mobility.