Heavy traffic expected as pupils go back to school

Police appeal to drivers for a 'day without accidents'

Pupils at The Indian High School, the UAE's largest school, return to class after the summer holidays on Monday. Pawan Singh / The National

Pupils and staff will be required to wear masks indoors to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Masks are not required outside. Pawan Singh / The National

Most of the country's pupils returned to school on Monday, while others are expected to start later in the week. Pawan Singh / The National

A flash mob made up of high school pupils dances at one school during a welcoming ceremony. Pawan Singh / The National

Pupils attend the first assembly at The Indian High School in Oud Metha, Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Dubai British School pupils arrive for the first day of school after the summer holidays. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Dubai British School pupils arrive for the first day of school after the summer holidays. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Dubai British School pupils arrive for the first day of school after the summer holidays. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Pupils from Al Mamoura Academy in Abu Dhabi on their first day of classes after the summer break. Victor Besa / The National

Pupils from Al Mamoura Academy in Abu Dhabi on their first day of classes after the summer break. Victor Besa / The National

Pupils from Al Mamoura Academy in Abu Dhabi on their first day of classes after the summer break. Victor Besa / The National

Pupils from Al Mamoura Academy in Abu Dhabi on their first day of classes after the summer break. Victor Besa / The National

Pupils from Al Mamoura Academy in Abu Dhabi on their first day of classes after the summer break. Victor Besa / The National

Pupils from Al Mamoura Academy in Abu Dhabi on their first day of classes after the summer break. Victor Besa / The National

Children arrive for the first day of school after the summer holidays at Dubai British School. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Parents drop off their children at Dubai British School after the long summer break. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Many pupils were up before 6am to catch the school bus. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Parents see off their children before classes begin on Monday. Victor Besa / The National

Pupils at Al Mamoura Academy in Abu Dhabi returned to school on Monday. Victor Besa / The National

A young pupil greets a member of staff on the first day of school at Al Mamoura Academy. Victor Besa / The National

Head teachers expressed their excitement at having children back on campus. Victor Besa / The National

Children in class on the first day of school at Dubai British School. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A child arrives at Dubai British School. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Kephren Sherry, head of primary at Citizens School Dubai, dressed up as superman while principal Tracy Moxley wore a Batman costume and director of learning Janice Butterworth put on a Ninja Turtle costume.

Busy roads are expected across the country on Monday as pupils return to school after the summer break.

Police urged drivers to be cautious around schools and school buses in particular, as more than one million pupils go back to classes.

Flexible working arrangements at many companies are expected to ease the morning rush, compared with previous years.

In Dubai, police urged drivers to help them record “a day without accidents”.

Motorists who sign an online pledge to take better care on the roads will be entered into a draw for valuable gifts if they keep their promise.

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New UAE schools opening this month: in pictures

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“Dubai Police aim to have zero accidents on the roads with the start of the new school year,” said Brig Saif Al Mazroui, director of the traffic department at Dubai Police.

Congestion tends to be particularly heavy on Al Ittihad Road between Dubai and Sharjah, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road, which links central Dubai to its suburbs, and Hessa Street, where at least a dozen major schools are located.

Local roads around Jumeirah and Umm Seqiem, where many nurseries and primary schools are located, tend to be congested as well.

“It is important to stop when the stop signs are flagged and not to overtake the school buses. Such violations would result in penalties of Dh1,000 and black points as per traffic law,” said Brig Al Mazroui.

“Motorists should follow the speed limit, not using their phones while driving or being distracted with anything, as well as stay in their lanes. Bus drivers should follow safety and traffic regulations,” he said.

Butti Al Falasi, director of Dubai Police's Security Awareness Department, invited motorists to log on to Dubai Police's official website to sign the safety pledge.

“Motorists who sign the online pledge will be part of a draw to pick lucky drivers for gifts as well as an appreciation certificate issued by Dubai Police,” said Mr Al Falasi.

Traffic Safety tips

• Watch out for extra traffic guidance and follow the directions of school staff, traffic guides or police
• Drivers dropping or collecting children must not obstruct traffic
• Park your vehicle safely, even if it's only a few steps away from the school
• Do not park in non-dedicated areas or in the second lane
• Parents dropping or collecting children should guide them and/or give them safety instructions to reach the school/your vehicle safely
• If you have improvement proposals for your school, engage with the school administration to articulate those

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