Dubai Police and Road and Transport Authority (RTA) have announced a ban on trucks during the peak evening hours from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm to ease congestion and give way to other motorists. This will be effected from 1st January, 2025.
RTA’s Strategy to Reduce Congestion
With truck restrictions on major roads and during peak hours, RTA aims to reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, increase road capacity, and improve road safety.
In April, RTA started implementing the ban on trucks on major roads like Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai during peak hours and plans to expand the ban to Emirates Road toward Sharjah. Hence, trucks will not be allowed, especially from Al Awir Street to Sharjah Road.
Alternative Routes for Truck Drivers
Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouie, Commandant of Operation at Dubai Police, said, “Truck movement can be allowed when the traffic volumes are not too high or the truck drivers can take alternative routes.” He also said, “The decision includes restricting truck movement at specific times, particularly to reduce traffic accidents caused by the overlap of the trucks and light vehicles on the major roads. ”
This decision was made with careful consideration of Dubai’s growing population and urban development. The government has been actively working to enhance infrastructure and streamline traffic flow in the city. The development of new truck rest areas along major roads, such as Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, will help accommodate over 1,000 trucks, ensuring that drivers have a safe place to stop when not allowed to drive.
Motorists will be notified about the implementation of the ban through various media channels, road signs, and online platforms to ensure clarity and prevent fines or penalties for non-compliance.
Hussain Al Banna, CEO of the Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA, said: “The decision aligns with Dubai’s strategy to reduce traffic congestion and road accidents. This will enhance the traffic flow of light vehicles, improve road safety standards, and reduce travel time for drivers. This decision was made in coordination with Dubai Police, the Department of Economy and Tourism, DP World, and Dubai Airports.