Sharjah Police has introduced a new system of radars that can detect violations such as hard shoulder overtaking and trucks driving during prohibited hours.
The new system has been introduced in all existing radars across the Emirate and will be able to catch drivers who use the hard shoulder, the government body said.
Moreover, CCTV cameras will be able to alert authorities when trucks use the roads outside of permitted hours. Per existing regulation, trucks are not allowed on the roads between 5.30 to 9.30 am, 1 to 3 pm, and 5.30 to 9.30 pm.
“The systems were upgraded successfully. It will allow us to catch reckless drivers who cross the yellow line that is used for emergencies. Furthermore, heavy vehicle that don’t have permission to move on the roads during the curfew hours will be caught by the new systems and fined,” said Colonel Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Director General of Central Operations in Sharjah, quoted in The National.
Driving, stopping, or overtaking on the hard shoulder especially on highways can result in fatal accidents, Bin Amer said, noting that the system was launched after the police observed an increase in traffic collisions resulting from this practice.
Violators will be issued a penalty of 6 black points and a fine of $163 (AED 600) for driving on the hard shoulder, Sharjah Police said in a statement.