Contractors urged to follow RTA rules

The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) stressed the importance of contractors' compliance with the approved technical specifications set by the RTA to ensure the safety of road users and smooth traffic flow on all roads of the emirate. This is necessary as part of the efforts to fulfil RTA's vision of providing "Safe and Smooth Transport for All".

This coincides with the stringent measures taken by RTA against a contracting company, undertaking one of RTA projects, including the imposition of a Dh200,000 fine for violating the instructions and code of procedures without seeking the consent of the consultant and RTA to do a night-time job.

The action taken by the contractor resulted in flipping a crane while attempting to install a directional signboard on Al Ittihad Road in February last year. The incident resulted in the closure of Al Ittihad Road for 10 hours, triggering tailbacks and disrupting traffic flow in a number of roads in the emirate. Maitha bin Adai, CEO of RTA Traffic and Roads Agency, said: "Investigations revealed the flipping of the crane was caused by the contractor's violation of work instructions and procedures without securing the consent of the consultant to work overnight. This is attributed to the company's failure to comply with technical specifications and stipulations, safety procedures and precautions required for doing such a job.

"The RTA took stringent action against the company operating the crane, including a fine, as a measure intended to reflect the tough stance of the RTA towards any violation jeopardising public safety."

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