Prince of Dubai issues resolution on Dubai tram

Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has issued Resolution No. (1) of 2014 regulating the tramway system in Dubai as per the best international practices in operation, quality and safety in order to provide citizens with a safe and convenient means of transportation. The tramway system will help alleviate traffic congestion, promote the use of public transport and play a role in supporting economic development in the emirate. In this context, the Resolution outlined the roles and responsibilities of a number of Dubai government departments that are affiliated with the tramway system project such as the Rail Agency at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the RTA Traffic '&' Roads Agency, RTA Licensing Agency, RTA Traffic Safety and Dubai Police. The RTA Rail Agency will take the responsibility of putting forward necessary policies of planning, developing and overseeing the tramway system project in Dubai. Also, the Rail Agency is mandated with setting standardization, technical requirements f and performance measures for the tramway infrastructure including the issuance of permits to guarantee a convenient tramway service in Dubai. As per the Resolution, the Rail Agency will also be responsible for certifying qualified contractors, consultants and tramway service operators affiliated with the project. The Traffic '&' Roads Agency is mandated with certifying route designs, tramway operation tracks, traffic control systems and ensuring a streamlined flow of traffic in areas that intersect with roads. The implementation of the tramway system designs will take into consideration the safety of pedestrians, vehicle drivers and tramway users. In addition, the Resolution set the responsibilities of tramway system stakeholders including owners, contractors, operators, tramway driver and users so as to present a safe and convenient service at all times in line with Dubai s vision for development. Stressing on the safety and security of the public, the Resolution outlined fines for a number of punishable traffic violations. For example, crossing a red traffic light at the intersection area with the tramway causing an accident that leads to the death of a person is punishable with a fine of not less than AED10,000 and not exceeding AED30,000 in addition to revoking the driver s license for not less than 30 days and not exceeding one year. Additionally, crossing a red traffic light at the tramway intersection and causing an accident that leads to injuries is punishable with a fine of not less than AED5,000 and not exceeding AED15,000 in addition to revoking the driver s licence for not less than 30 days and not exceeding six months. Crossing a red traffic light at the tramway intersection area without causing an accident is punishable with a fine of not less than AED2,000 and not exceeding AED5,000 in addition to revoking the driver s license for not less than 30 days and not exceeding three months. The RTA and affiliated departments are to seek the support of Dubai government departments including Dubai Police for the purposes of implementing the Resolution. Resolution No. (1) of 2014 annuls any other resolution or regulation that contradicts with its articles. The Resolution is effective from its date of issuance and shall be published in the official gazette.