Abu Dhabi to ban heavy vehicles during peak hours in Ramadan

Lorries and workers’ buses will be banned from the roads from 8am to 10am and from 2pm to 4pm

Lorries will not be allowed on the roads in Abu Dhabi during peak hours. Stephen Lock / The National

Drivers of lorries, heavy vehicles and large buses will be banned from using Abu Dhabi roads during peak hours in Ramadan, the emirate’s police said on Sunday.

Heavy vehicles and workers' buses transporting more than 50 passengers will be banned from 8am to 10am and from 2pm to 4pm to improve traffic flow during the holy month.

Police urged lorry and bus drivers to follow the rule.

Ramadan is expected to start on April 12, but the final date will be confirmed by the UAE’s moon-sighting committee.

The moon-sighting committee – a group of astronomers, court officials and advisers from the country’s Islamic authority – typically convenes after maghrib, or sunset, prayers on the 29th day of Sha’ban to look for the new crescent moon.

If they see it, Ramadan begins the following day. If not, Sha'ban will last 30 days and Ramadan will begin thereafter.