The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has recently opened three new rest stops for trucks at the highways in the Emirate of Dubai.

The project, which was launched in 2014, is part of RTA's plan to provide free lay-bys for trucks at highways. It also signals RTA's keenness to realise the objectives of its strategic plan towards ensuring traffic safety on highways. 

Maitha bin Adai, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency, said that lay-bys were situated at the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road, Dubai - Hatta Road, and Ras Al Khor Road, bringing the total number of rest areas to nine. 

"According to the plan, more new rest stops will be constructed this year, as RTA is now examining suitable sites and preparing safe designs, taking into consideration roads capacity, especially entrances and exits of these rest areas. While selecting locations of these rest areas, attention is given to certain parameters such as the proximity to service centres (petrol stations) to ensure the availability of basic and handy services to drivers." 

Bin Adai reiterated RTA's attention on ensuring the safety of road users, and providing all safety and security precautions on internal and external roads to the highest international standards and specifications. "All procedures and engineering projects would not be enough to stop traffic accidents and ensuing deaths unless all motorists and road users adhere to safety rules and avoid the traffic accident triggers," concluded Maitha

Source: WAM