Ajman: Police in Ajman have launched a traffic campaign aimed at traffic law violators in general and cyclists in particular amid an increase in the number of accidents caused by errant cyclists.
Ajman Police announced that the campaign kicked off on Wednesday and will continue for six months. The new drive comes after the emirate witnessed 15 accidents caused by bicycle riders contravening the rules in 2014, as compared to only four such accidents in 2013.
Lieutenant Colonel Ali Hamaid Al Masseibi, acting director of Ajman Patrol and Traffic Department, said the campaign highlights the efforts of Ajman Police to implement strategic goals and initiatives to improve road safety and reduce the number of road fatalities and traffic accidents. The campaign aims to ensure that every effort is made to improve road safety and curb reckless driving.
Lt. Col. Al Masseibi said Ajman Police are keen to apply the strategy and initiatives of the Ministry of Interior to improve road safety and reduce traffic congestion, accidents, and the number of road fatalities.
“Intensive inspections will be going on in different areas of the emirate. At the beginning of the campaign, Ajman Police will focus on industrial areas, Al Jurif area, Dragon Mart area, especially in the peak hours of the morning when roads are crowded with cars and bicycles.
Al Masseibi said the crackdown will also focus on cyclists who do not wear fluorescent safety jackets at night that enable motorists to spot them from a distance.
The campaign aims to deter cyclists from riding in the opposite direction of traffic as well as in prohibited areas, such as highways.
The main thrust of the campaign is to discourage cyclists from weaving in and out of heavy traffic on Ajman roads, he added.
Lt. Col. Al Masseibi also reminded motorists and road users in general to abide by all traffic regulations and laws in order to avoid endangering their lives and the lives of others, stressing that Ajman Police will not be found wanting in taking timely action to ensure the safety of all road users.
The latest campaign seeks to educate the public about the importance of wearing fluorescent safety jackets and helmets when riding bicycles, decreasing speed, and crossing roads safely. Increased public awareness would help reduce the number of accidents, Lt. Col. Al Masseibi said.
Police would strictly enforce traffic rules highlighted during the campaign on internal roads and highways of Ajman city while also distributing fluorescent safety jackets and helmets among cyclists, Lt. Col. Al Masseibi said.
