Police to deploy helicopters to crack down on bad drivers

Officers in Ajman will also use drones as part of a new effort to reduce road deaths

Police believe the man flew home after murdering his wife and child

Ajman Police has announced it will deploy helicopters and drones as part its efforts to crack down on bad driving.

Officers said the new approach formed part of a UAE-wide initiative aimed at reducing road fatalities.

Lt Col Saif Abdullah Al Falasi, director of the Ajman traffic department, said helicopter patrols would help police identify dangerous motorists.

The aircraft, together with drones, could also contribute to the prompt arrest of offenders, he said.

“The scheme comes in cooperation with the Air Wing Department of the general directorate of security support at the Ministry of Interior,” he said.

“The traffic department will also launch a drone patrol on different roads in the emirate.

“Ajman Police strives to achieve the highest levels of traffic safety through traffic control, improving the quality of roads and raising public awareness.”

Traffic fatalities in the UAE have fallen by 34 per cent in five years, recent figures from the Ministry of Interior have showed.

About 470 people were killed on UAE roads last year, with the number of serious traffic accidents recorded at 3,712.

The drop in number has been attributed to upgraded traffic control measures including better road signs, improved road surfaces and speed restrictions.

The introduction of a points system for reckless driving and the threat of imprisonment for serious breaches are also thought to have reduced accidents.