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Rapid towaway bikes to reduce traffic jam delays

DUBAI — With the launch of four Honda Goldwing rapid towaway bikes by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) yesterday, commuters can expect shorter delays as a result of traffic jams caused by an accident or breakdown.

“In a minor accident, a car can be towed away within 10 minutes instead of the earlier 40 minutes. Thus traffic congestion can be averted,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of RTA, during the launch yesterday.

“The UAE is the fourth country in the world after China, Sweden and Canada to deploy such bikes,” Al Tayer pointed out.

The bikes are deployed to cover key spots where breakdowns or accidents can cause serious traffic jams, including Shaikh Zayed Road, Al Shindagha Tunnel, Al Maktoum Bridge and Al Garhoud Bridge from 6am to 9pm.

The service, free of cost, will be provided in coordination with Dubai Police, he said.

“The RTA will expand the coverage once the concept proves successful,” said Al Tayer, adding that the bikes cost Dh900,000.

He also said that studies conducted by RTA suggested that emergencies and traffic accidents are among the key reasons of road jams and account for 16 per cent of the traffic congestion. “When a simple traffic hindrance occurs such as a vehicle breakdown or minor traffic accident and lasts for 10 minutes during peak hours, it will result in traffic congestion that requires more than 40 minutes to clear,” he explained.

“In such cases, it will be difficult for standard recovery vehicles to access the site of the incident to tow the vehicle; a matter that warrants the need for a rapid means of accessing the site of the accident. Such means have to be heavy duty, effective and speedy, “ he said. “This ignited the idea of introducing Honda Goldwing bikes.”

Al Tayer explained that each bike was capable of towing upto 2.5 tonne vehicle at a speed of 30kph. “It can be manoeuvred between vehicles on congested roads due to its miniature size (width is 95cm only),” he said.

Brigadier Essa Amman, Deputy Director of Traffic General Administration Department, who also attended the launch said, “The procedure remains the same. A call has to be made to the police to report the accident, and if it is a minor accident and the bike is located nearby, then it will tow away the affected car,” he added.

He also said the bikes were electronically linked to the traffic systems of the RTA. “We also have over 60 cameras that are monitoring the roads. If an accident occurs anywhere on Dubai’s roads, the bike can reach the spot immediately,” added Brig Amman.