Ras Al Khaimah Reduces Busy Road Speed Limit
Speed Limit Reduction on Busy Road in Ras Al Khaimah - Rules Effective from January 17
UAE authorities have announced that as of January 17, the speed limit on one of Ras Al Khaimah's busiest stretches, Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Street, will be reduced. The previous 100 km/h speed limit will be lowered to 80 km/h between the Al Riffa roundabout (Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Roundabout) and the Al Marjan Island roundabout. Under the new rules, the radar-tolerated speed is also reduced from 121 km/h to 101 km/h.
Why is the speed reduction necessary?
The aim of the new regulation is to enhance road safety and reduce the number of accidents. This section affects several critical areas:
a. Residential Areas: The road passes through many residential areas where pedestrian traffic is significant. The reduced speed will help mitigate the severity of potential accidents.
b. Tourist Attractions: The road leads to Al Marjan Island and other tourist centers, resulting in heavy traffic from both locals and visitors.
c. Commercial Zones: The route also passes through commercial areas where traffic is often denser than usual.
The road runs from the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed roundabout through Al Riffa and Al Jazirah Al Hamra all the way to Al Marjan. Each of these zones represents a higher traffic load that can be mitigated by reducing speed.
The decision background
Authorities emphasized that one of the most common causes of accidents is speeding, especially in areas where different types of traffic - motorists, pedestrians, and tourist buses - intersect. Lowering the speed limit and recalibrating radar measurements can help reduce speeding incidents while maintaining smooth traffic flow.
What to pay attention to when implementing new rules?
1. Adhere to the new speed limit: On the road between Al Riffa and Al Marjan Island, the new limit will be 80 km/h, which every driver should respect.
2. Watch for radar stations: Radars will now register violations for speeds above 101 km/h, so it's particularly important to adhere to the allowed speed.
3. Exercise caution in populated areas: Due to the proximity of residential zones, it's advisable to be even more cautious, especially in the presence of pedestrians.
Expected Impact of the Changes
Speed reduction is expected to significantly contribute to the reduction of accidents. Such measures not only increase road safety but also improve the sense of security for residents and tourists alike.
The Ras Al Khaimah police have reminded everyone that every road user is responsible for adhering to the rules, thus contributing to creating a safer road environment.
Summary
The introduction of the new speed limit is an important step in Ras Al Khaimah's road safety efforts. The changes on the route between Al Riffa and Al Marjan Island require quick adaptation from those commuting this way, but they will be beneficial to everyone in the long run. Road safety is not just about following rules, but about all of us behaving responsibly on the roads.
