Almost 50,700 fines issued for jaywalking in Abu Dhabi last year

Police said the number of pedestrian deaths caused by run over accidents fell from 63 in 2016 to 50 last year

Abu Dhabi Police issued 50,695 fines to pedestrians for illegally crossing roads in 2017. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Police
Powered by automated translation

Some 50,695 fines were issued to pedestrians for illegally crossing the capital's roads in 2017.

Abu Dhabi Police said the figure, which is a 21 per cent decrease of the number of fines issued the year before, was an indication of their vigilance against illegal and reckless crossings.

On Saturday, police said the number of pedestrian deaths caused by run over accidents fell from 63 in 2016 to 50 last year. They attributed the decrease to their road safety campaigns.

Abu Dhabi Traffic and Patrols Directorate called on pedestrians to use underpasses, bridges and zebra crossings. Police also urged motorists to slow down near schools and to give pedestrians the right of way.

''Traffic police will keep a close eye on jaywalkers and will maintain zero tolerance against offenders,'' the directorate warned.

According to UAE traffic law, pedestrians who fail to abide by traffic light signals or jaywalk - cross the road from undesignated areas - face a fine of Dh400.

Any motorist who fails to give priority to pedestrians at zebra crossings will be fined Dh500 and incur six black points. The fine for blocking a pedestrian crossing with a car is Dh400.