DUBAI, 13 June 2007 — Traffic jams resulting from minor accidents or cars breaking down may become a thing of the past in Dubai after the introduction of rapid deployment bikes that will tow such vehicles.
The service is the first of its kind in the Middle East and the UAE is the fourth country worldwide that will use these vehicles. Mattar Al Tayer, chairman of the board and executive director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), said that initially four such bikes would be pressed into service on the main roads and bridges in Dubai after which RTA would consider increasing the number. He said that the service would be free of charge.
He said the bikes would operate between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m., which is the period that witnesses traffic jams. In the first stage bikes will be deployed at key spots in the city — Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Shindagha Tunnel, Al Maktoum Bridge and Al Garhoud Bridge — where breakdowns or accidents cause serious traffic jams.
“Providing this service comes in line with the vision of the RTA to provide ‘safe and smooth transportation to all’ as it is the first ever initiative of its type to be launched in the region.
“It has already been proved successful in some countries that witness traffic congestion during peak hours such as Sweden, Canada and China” said Al Tayer.
He added, “Studies conducted by the RTA showed that emergencies and traffic accidents are among the key factors that contribute to road jams and account for 16 percent of the traffic congestion. When a simple traffic hindrance occurs, such as a vehicle breakdown or a minor traffic accident and lasts for 10 minutes during peak period, it results in a traffic congestion that requires more than 40 minutes to clear. In such a case it becomes difficult for normal recovery vehicles to access the site of the incident and tow the vehicle”
This, he said, prompted the idea of introducing Honda Goldwing Bikes — each capable of towing a 2.5 ton vehicle at a speed of 30 km/h. It can be smoothly driven and manoeuvred between vehicles on congested roads, thanks to its small size.
“It can promptly reach its destination in a time which is unmatched by specialized towing vehicles,” Al Tayer said.
He described the service as innovative and advanced adding that the bikes, which will be electronically linked to the traffic systems of the RTA, will tow away the damaged vehicles within minutes and prevent any traffic jam.
