Khaleej Times

DUBAI , Aug 2: Licences of motorists driving under the influence of alcohol in Dubai will be withdrawn, Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Commander in Chief of Dubai Police, told Khaleej Times.

Dhahi Khalfan said that the decision is aimed at protecting people's lives and reducing accidents caused by drunken driving. The traffic police team has been instructed to intensify the traffic campaign against those driving their vehicles under the influence of alcohol, he said, adding that the police will check motorists and take strict action against errant drivers, including withdrawal of their driving licences. He urged the public to abide by the traffic laws.

Healso said that the Dubai Police would withdraw the licence of heavy vehicle drivers jumping the red signal as per instructions of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashed Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minster and Ruler of Dubai.

He stressed the importance of intensifying road safety campaigns to minimise fatal traffic accidents on highways and increase the awareness of rules to reduce traffic violations such as yellow box violations, which cause traffic jams. 

Meanwhile, Lt-Gen Dhahi yesterday presided over a meeting held to evaluate the performance of the General Department of Traffic during the second quarter of the current year. The meeting was also attended by Dr Brigadier Abdul Qoudus Abdul Razeq, Director of Quality Control Department, and Brigadier Issa Aman, Deputy Director of Traffic Department. The meeting reviewed the statistical data, which showed the rate of fatal accidents, time and place of traffic accidents and causes of deaths.