Dubai Police and the RTA convened a joint meeting to discuss the current and future safety of transport in the Emirate.
In their review of traffic safety, they noted a 93 per cent decrease in traffic fatalities in the emirate.
They also planned future safety strategies for the Dubai Metro Blue Line transport network.
Dubai Police and RTA Road Safety Strategy
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, held a coordinated meeting to review the outcomes of the Dubai Traffic Safety Strategy.
The meeting also addressed Dubai Police’s requirements for the Blue Line project of the Dubai Metro and the safety of public transport users.
Al Tayer commended the strategic partnership and strong relationship between the RTA and Dubai Police, which has enhanced coordination and joint efforts towards achieving the objectives of the Dubai Traffic Safety Strategy, notably reducing road traffic fatalities and ensuring the safety of various public transport modes.
Al Tayer stated: “Traffic safety is a top priority within the Traffic Safety Strategy and RTA’s goals. The RTA is dedicated to achieving the target indicators of the Dubai Traffic Safety Strategy, with its ‘Zero Fatalities’ vision aiming to make Dubai the best in the world for traffic safety.”
“The rate of traffic accident fatalities dropped by as much as 93 per cent between 2007 and 2023. The RTA also aims to enhance the safety and security of all mass and individual mobility means, and to develop traffic awareness and education channels for the benefit of all road users in Dubai.”
Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri praised the strategic partnership between the General HQ of Dubai Police and the Roads and Transport Authority, which has helped establish joint systems and achieve the goals of enhanced security, safety, and traffic safety on the emirate’s roads.
Al Marri said: “The General HQ of Dubai Police is committed to boosting traffic safety to achieve Dubai’s strategic goal of being a safe and stable city characterized by robust development and prosperity, prioritizing the protection of lives and properties.”
“The traffic accident fatalities in Dubai have significantly decreased recently, thanks to the coordination and joint efforts with strategic partners, ongoing efforts to reduce traffic incidents, and the success of continuous awareness campaigns addressing various traffic issues and challenges.”
The meeting reviewed the progress of implementing the Dubai Traffic Safety Strategy 2022-2026, which encompasses four main pillars:
- Enforcement
- Roads and vehicles engineering
- Traffic awareness
- Systems and management
The joint efforts resulted in meeting all annual targets for the Traffic Safety Strategy 2023.
The fatality rate recorded was 1.6 deaths per 100,000 people, lower than the target of 2.0 deaths, making last year’s rate the lowest recorded by the city, positioning the emirate as one of the best cities globally for traffic safety.
Last year, both parties implemented several strategic initiatives, including enhanced traffic enforcement for serious violations related to pedestrian crossings, motorcycles, bicycles, and scooters, resulting in over 500,000 violations.
32 raised pedestrian crossings were constructed, and improvements were made at over 200 locations for users of individual mobility means.
Other measures included studying and addressing 29 sites with recurring incidents, implementing the smart management project for public transport drivers, conducting joint traffic awareness and enforcement campaigns, and launching awareness and inspection campaigns for delivery motorcycle drivers.
The two sides also discussed the requirements of the Police to ensure the safety of passengers and assets of the Blue Line project, extending 30 km (15 km underground route), featuring 14 stations (nine elevated and five underground).
The Blue Line will connect with the Red Line at Centrepoint Station and the Green Line at Al Khor Station, serving nine vital areas with a population projected to reach one million by 2040.
It will also provide a direct connection to Dubai International Airport.
Upon opening, the Blue Line is expected to serve 200,000 passengers daily, increasing to 320,000 daily by 2040.
It will serve the fifth urban center (Silicon Oasis) according to the Urban Plan 2040 and boost the development and economy of the emirate.
Additionally, it will increase the value of land and property around metro stations by 10-25 per cent and reduce traffic congestion by 20 per cent.
