New highway rest stops for trucks

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has recently opened three new rest stops for trucks in different locations in Dubai. The project, which began in 2014, is part of RTA’s plan to provide free laybys for trucks on highways. It also signals RTA’s keenness to realize the objectives of its strategic plan towards ensuring traffic safety on highways and organizing them with road users.
 
Maitha Bin Adai, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency, said that laybys were situated at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Dubai - Hatta Road, and Ras Al Khor Road, bringing the total number of rest areas to nine. “According to the plan, the new rest stops will be constructed this year, as RTA is now examining suitable sites and preparing safe designs, taking into consideration roads capacity, especially entrances and exits of these rest areas. While selecting locations of these rest areas, attention is given to certain parameters such as the proximity to service centers (petrol stations) to ensure the availability of basic and handy services to drivers.”
 
Bin Adai reiterated RTA’s attention on ensuring the safety of road users, and providing all safety and security precautions on internal and external roads to the highest international standards and specifications. “All procedures and engineering projects would not be enough to stop traffic accidents and ensuing deaths unless all motorists and road users adhere to safety rules and avoid the traffic accident triggers,” concluded Maitha.