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Dh1,000 fine, 10 black points for ignoring school bus stop signs

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Dh1,000 fine, 10 black points for ignoring school bus stop signs

Dubai, Abu Dhabi - 40 traffic police officers, 20 sergeants and 20 traffic patrols have been specially assigned to facilitate traffic around schools.

Published: Mon 11 Sep 2017, 4:42 PM

  • By
  • Amira Agarib & Ismail Sebugwaawo

Motorists failing to halt their vehicles on seeing the stop signs engaged on school buses will be fined Dh1,000 and slapped with 10 black points, warned Major-General Mohammed Saif Al Zafin, assistant commander-in-chief of the Dubai Police for Operations Affairs and chairman of the Federal Traffic Council. This is in accordance with Resolution No (178) of 2017 on traffic rules and procedures, and resolution No (91).

School bus drivers and parents are also urged to adhere to the specific speeds and follow the rules when transporting their children. He also called on drivers to be careful while passing through the streets near schools, and when entering and exiting the school premises.

Zafin stated that 40 traffic police officers, 20 sergeants and 20 traffic patrols have been specially assigned to facilitate traffic around schools.

Parents are further urged to not let their children cross roads alone, and all children under age 12 must be seated in the rear, with seat belts on. Children must also be dropped off only at appointed drop-off or parking spots, and not on the opposite side of the road from their schools or homes, to avoid possible run-over accidents.

The school bus minders should ensure that children follow the rules while getting on and off the bus, standing in groups about 10 steps away from the bus stop and approach the vehicle in an organised manner while boarding.

Dubai's traffic programme is always in readiness before the start of the new school year, with special programmes to educate school bus drivers in measures to be followed while transporting students. Private security officers at schools are also trained in traffic policing, to organise vehicle movement at the school gates and ensure student safety. Student scouts are trained too, to help out during peak hours.

amira@khaleejtimes.com

Rule applies in Abu Dhabi too

Ignoring the stop signs of school buses on roads could entail a fine of Dh1,000, Abu Dhabi traffic authorities have warned motorists.

Stop arms on the sides of school buses automatically drops open when it halts to pick up or let off students, indicating to other road users to wait until the child is safely out of the way.

Drivers who stop at a distance of less than five metres from the bus will be fined Dh1,000 and 10 black points marked against their driving licence, according to the new amendments. It also fines the bus driver Dh500 and six black points if he fails to display the stop arm when picking up or dropping off pupils.

The new measures are part of the the 'Amana Student Safety' campaign by the Abu Dhabi Police. Brigadier Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, director of the Central Operations Department of the force, said: "The Abu Dhabi Police, through its competent departments, is ready for the new academic year and traffic patrols will be intensified at intersections near schools to ensure the safety of children and smooth traffic movement."



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