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Abu Dhabi will fine vehicles exceeding axle weight limit

ABU DHABI — Fines of up to Dh10,000 will be imposed on heavy vehicles exceeding the axle weight limits in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, following a decision by Interior Minister Lt-General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The decision will come into effect on January 1, 2006. The move is expected to help preserve the life span of roads.

Officials revealed yesterday that the ministerial decree would be applied to all violations involving axle weights, committed by trucks and mechanical equipment in Abu Dhabi. The fines range from Dh500 to Dh10,000, and the heavy vehicle found violating will be seized for a month in case the violation was repeated with the imposition of a further Dh1,000.

The decree specified the weight limits of vehicles used on roads in the emirate. Officials said the measures incorporated in the decree will help “preserve the hypothetical life span of paved roads in the emirate of Abu Dhabi”.

All heavy vehicles used for goods transportation will undergo tests at fixed and mobile axle weight stations located in various parts of the city. There are six such stations in Abu Dhabi at Seih Shuaib, Musafah, Mina Zayed (as well as at the entrance of warehouses), Khatum Al Shakla in Al Ain and Ghuaifat in the Western Region.

Violators of permitted weight and height specifications will be fined. When a violation is detected, a fine will be issued, and the driver’s licence and vehicle ownership card will be seized. However, the vehicle will be allowed to proceed to its destination. The decree said the head of the traffic police section, at the Traffic and Patrols Section in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain Police Directorate or Tareef Police, can issue one-time special permits allowing vehicles of measurements exceeding the limits if that was necessary. The permit will be issued at a fee of Dh500, after receiving the amounts of other fees and fines relevant to the vehicle in question.

The decree, however, stressed that in such a case, all safety measures should be taken by the transportation company and the traffic police.