In a significant move to enhance road safety and reduce congestion, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police General Headquarters have announced a new restriction on truck movement along Emirates Road. Effective from January 1, 2025, trucks will be prohibited from using the stretch between Al Awir Street and Sharjah during evening peak hours, specifically from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
This initiative is a continuation of RTA’s strategy to optimize traffic flow and ensure smoother commutes for residents. The evening ban aims to reduce traffic accidents, improve road safety, and minimize travel delays for smaller vehicles on one of Dubai’s most vital thoroughfares.
Expansion of Truck Movement Restrictions Across Dubai
Dubai has been steadily implementing truck movement restrictions on key roads and corridors to address traffic challenges and improve road infrastructure efficiency. Roads such as Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Al Ittihad Street, and Meydan Street have already seen similar restrictions in place.
In fact, trucks are prohibited entirely from certain major roads, including Sheikh Zayed Road and residential neighborhoods near Sharjah, such as Al Mizhar, Al Muhaisnah, and Oud Al Muteena, where movement is banned from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. For medium-congestion urban areas, like Airport Street and Damascus Street, truck bans are implemented during three peak time windows: 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
The latest restriction on Emirates Road towards Sharjah during the evening rush hour reflects a proactive approach by Dubai authorities to tackle congestion hotspots and improve road safety standards.
Key Objectives of the Truck Ban
Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Acting Assistant Commandant for Operations Affairs at Dubai Police, emphasized that the decision is the result of a detailed study on traffic patterns, accident data, and engineering requirements. The primary objectives include:
- Reducing Accidents: Preventing collisions caused by the mix of trucks and smaller vehicles during high-traffic periods.
- Easing Congestion: Allowing smoother traffic flow for private vehicles on Emirates Road during peak times.
- Environmental Benefits: Cutting down fuel consumption and pollutant emissions caused by heavy traffic.
Raising Awareness and Collaboration
To ensure seamless implementation of the ban, Dubai Police and RTA are working closely with truck drivers and logistics companies. Educational campaigns will be rolled out through media channels, road signage, and multilingual radio messages to inform stakeholders of the new restrictions. Violators will face penalties, with authorities urging compliance to avoid fines and disruptions.
Hussain Al Banna, CEO of the Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA, underlined the collaborative efforts involved:
“The ban aligns with RTA’s strategy to enhance traffic flow and road safety while redistributing truck traffic to alternative routes. Through close coordination with Dubai Police, Dubai Airports, and DP World, we aim to achieve these objectives without disrupting freight operations.”
Improved Facilities for Heavy Vehicles
Since mid-2023, the RTA has been developing dedicated truck rest areas in partnership with the private sector. These facilities, located along major roads such as Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Dubai-Hatta Road, and Dubai-Al Ain Road, span over 300,000 square meters and accommodate approximately 1,000 heavy vehicles. Equipped with diesel refueling stations, motels, prayer rooms, restaurants, and maintenance services, these rest areas are designed to ensure the safety and welfare of truck drivers.
A Step Towards a Safer Traffic Environment
This latest measure reflects Dubai’s commitment to creating a safer and more efficient traffic system. The evening truck ban on Emirates Road is a crucial step toward addressing urban congestion and fostering a more sustainable and safe driving environment for all road users. By working in unison with transport companies and truck drivers, authorities aim to implement the ban smoothly while ensuring minimal disruption to logistics and economic activities.
What’s Next?
As Dubai continues to grow and develop, such forward-thinking initiatives showcase the emirate’s dedication to improving road infrastructure, safety, and sustainability. Compliance from all stakeholders will be key to the success of this initiative, marking yet another milestone in Dubai’s journey toward a smarter, more efficient transportation system.
