Sharjah, Ajman offer 50% cut in traffic fines

There’s good news for bad drivers in the new year with Sharjah and Ajman set to slash 50 per cent of their accumulated traffic fines from January 1. The part waiver will be valid for four months in Sharjah, while Ajman motorists will get two months to benefit from the scheme.It would cover traffic violations committed until December end and owners of vehicles seized by the police would also be eligible for the discount, said senior police officials.Sharjah Police chief Major General Humaid Mohammed Al Hudaidi lauded the Sharjah Executive Council for approving the initiative on Tuesday and for ‘‘easing the buden on people’’. ‘‘This is a good opportunity for people to respect traffic laws,’’ he said.Ajman Police chief Ali Abdulla Allwan said the reduction would cover all traffic violations in the emirate until December 31, 2011.‘‘This will include all traffic violations recorded by UAE-registered vehicles in the emirate,’’ he said.The decision to cut fines followed instructions from Shaikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ajman Executive Council.The Sharjah and Ajman Police, however, did not reveal the number of vehicles, value of accumulated traffic violations, or the mode of payment for the scheme.Residents of both emirates welcomed the decision. ‘‘Many people have accumulated unpaid fines and this measure could ensure compliance by drivers,’’ said Mohammed Othman, a banker.Nadir Hassan, an engineer in a contracting company in Sharjah, said that the scheme would help errant vehicle owners register or insure their cars by paying a smaller fine.