New fast response patrols on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road

Five units will on a 70km of the motorway will respond to minor breakdowns

The trial for a new scheme, that aims to decrease accident response time, will begin on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road on September 16. Satish Kumar / The National

New motorway patrols on the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road will cut congestion by a quarter and reduce the clearance time of minor crashes by a third.

A trial of the Traffic Incidents Management system managed by Emirates Transport comes into effect from September 16.

Road patrols will be stationed at five locations on a 70-kilometre Dubai section of the motorway and dispatched in less than 10 minutes to vehicles that have minor crashes or breakdowns.

“The underlying objective of the scheme is to fend off potential snarls, streamline the traffic flow at the accident site, and avoid secondary accidents triggered by sudden congestion,” said Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the RTA's board of executive directors. “Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road has been selected due to the intense traffic movement, especially during peak hours, and the high frequency of minor incidents and vehicles breakdown witnessed by the Road.

The Traffic Incidents Units will remove vehicles and carry out diversions at crash sites to restore traffic flow and report on any damage to infrastructure.

"Dubai Police will investigate major accidents and injury-associated accidents, report traffic offences, provide judicial support to the Traffic Incidents Unit, monitor traffic cameras and undertake clearance of casualties among others,” said Maj Gen Abdullah Al Marri, commander-in-chief of Dubai Police, in a statement. "The RTA will provide technical support to the unit, study traffic diversions, and manage the timings of light signals as well as the virtual messaging signs and tactical traffic diversions.”

____________________

Read more on road safety:

Fines said to be halved as Abu Dhabi removes 20kph speed buffer 

WATCH: Abu Dhabi’s speed buffers explained

Abu Dhabi speed limit buffer scrapped: drivers predict confusion, fines but ultimately safer roads

____________________

About 250,000 vehicle breakdowns and 200 minor traffic incidents are reported in Dubai annually, said Maj Gen Al Marri.

"The operation of the TIM scheme in Dubai culminates the strategic relationship between the Dubai Police and the RTA built on Dubai’s future plans,” said Maj Gen Al Marri. “It also complements the executive plan for traffic safety in Dubai aimed at making Dubai a safe and stable city focused on a development model that saves the lives and properties.”