The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the General Headquarters of Dubai Police announced a ban on truck movement along Emirates Road, specifically between Al Awir Street and Sharjah, during peak evening hours from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, effective 1 January 2025.
This initiative, Dubai Media Office reported, is part of RTA’s broader strategy to extend truck movement restrictions on major roads in Dubai. The goal is to improve traffic flow, alleviate congestion, and enhance road capacity for private vehicles on the affected routes, while also raising safety standards across the emirate.
In late April 2024, RTA initiated an expanded truck movement ban on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road during both morning and evening peak hours. Starting in 2025, this ban will be extended to include Emirates Road towards Sharjah during the evening peak.
Specifics of the truck movement ban
The RTA enforces restrictions on truck movement along specific roads throughout Dubai at different times, depending on the area and road type. Trucks are permanently banned on major thoroughfares such as Al Ittihad Street, Meydan Street, and all crossings. Other routes, including Sheikh Zayed Road and residential neighborhoods near Sharjah—like Al Mizhar, Al Muhaisnah, and Oud Al Muteena—are subject to a ban lasting 16 hours, from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Restrictions in medium congestion areas
Areas with medium congestion face restrictions on truck movement during peak morning and evening hours. This includes Airport Street, Oman Street, and Damascus Street, with specific restricted times: 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, acting assistant commandant for Operations Affairs at Dubai Police, explained that the decision to restrict truck movement on Emirates Road towards Sharjah during evening peak hours was made after a thorough examination of the necessary engineering and technical standards to balance safety with transportation needs. He noted that the aim is to mitigate traffic accidents caused by the coexistence of trucks and smaller vehicles and to relieve congestion on essential roads.
Collaboration and awareness efforts
Al Mazrouei emphasized the importance of collaboration between Dubai Police and the RTA in raising awareness among truck drivers and transport company owners regarding the new restrictions. He stressed that adherence to these timings is crucial to avoid fines and penalties for non-compliance. He urged truck drivers and transport companies to support these initiatives by following the regulations and adjusting their schedules as needed.
Importance of prior notification
Also, Al Mazrouei highlighted the significance of prior notification, stating that motorists will be informed through various media channels, road signage, and other communication methods to ensure clarity regarding the implementation. He noted that this will facilitate effective enforcement with minimal disruption to freight and transport operations, emphasizing that compliance is essential to avoid fines. He mentioned that there have been 792 recorded violations this year due to disregard for truck movement ban timings.
Enhancing road safety and sustainability
Al Mazrouei further added that the decision will enhance road safety by decreasing truck-related accidents during peak hours and improve traffic flow by alleviating congestion on key roads like Emirates Road. Additionally, it will contribute to environmental sustainability by lowering traffic congestion, fuel consumption, and emissions.
Aiming for a safer traffic environment
The new regulation on Emirates Road represents a proactive measure towards fostering a safer and more efficient traffic environment. With the cooperation and commitment of truck drivers and transport company owners, there is potential to achieve this initiative without disrupting logistics or the economy. The success of this effort depends on everyone playing their part to ensure a smooth and effective implementation of the ban, ultimately striving for a safe and comfortable traffic environment for all road users.
Impact on traffic flow
Hussain Al Banna, CEO of the Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA, stated that the enforcement of this ban is part of RTA’s policy to broaden truck movement restrictions, aligning with their strategy to mitigate traffic congestion during peak hours, enhance road safety, and improve traffic flow across Dubai’s roadways. He mentioned that this decision was made in collaboration with key partners, including Dubai Police, the Department of Economy and Tourism, DP World, and Dubai Airports.
Al Banna explained that the restriction on heavy vehicles along Emirates Road during evening peak hours in the direction of Sharjah will facilitate the flow of light vehicles, enhance road safety, and redirect truck traffic to alternative routes where movement is permitted, ultimately reducing travel times for all road users.
Comprehensive engineering studies
Furthermore, Al Banna remarked that adjusting truck movement regulations involves comprehensive engineering and technical assessments, taking into account vehicle density, traffic accident data, urban development along the routes, and the redistribution of traffic to alternative pathways that can handle the flow. The RTA, in partnership with Dubai Police General Headquarters and other relevant entities, will work to inform heavy vehicle drivers and truck owners about the new restrictions on Emirates Road. Al Banna noted that informational and directional signage will be installed at the beginning and end of the restricted areas, along with media announcements, advertisements across various platforms, social media outreach, and multilingual radio messages broadcast on local stations.
He encouraged truck drivers and transport and shipping companies to adhere to the decision by utilizing alternative routes during restricted hours or by waiting at strategically located truck rest areas throughout the emirate.
Developmental plan for truck rest areas
Since mid-2023, the RTA has been implementing a developmental plan for truck rest areas in collaboration with the private sector. This plan includes the construction of 19 stations and rest areas for trucks, strategically positioned along several key roads in Dubai, such as Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Emirates Road, Dubai-Hatta Road, and Dubai-Al Ain Road. Collectively, these rest areas cover over 300,000 square meters and can accommodate approximately 1,000 trucks and heavy vehicles.
Facilities for driver welfare
The initiative also involves the development of three integrated stations prioritizing driver safety and welfare. These facilities will feature diesel refueling stations, residential accommodations for drivers, maintenance workshops, dining establishments, administrative offices, prayer rooms, truck maintenance centers, driver training facilities, clinics, pharmacies, exchange centers, laundry services, and other essential amenities. These developments aim to provide comprehensive support, ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of truck and heavy vehicle drivers.
