Residents of Dubai, take note - the city's authorities are implementing a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to wrongly parked e-scooters and cycles obstructing footpaths and service roads. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has issued a warning, making it clear that such violations will lead to fines for offenders.


    In an effort to maintain order and ensure public safety, the RTA has conducted an extensive inspection campaign covering 698 different sites across Dubai this year alone. This includes developer areas, free zones, and other locales where the potential for blocked rights-of-way poses a risk.


    "Through this intensive inspection campaign, the RTA aims to maintain Dubai's civilized and aesthetic appearance while ensuring the sustainability of operational conditions for roads, facilities, and pavements," stated Basil Ibrahim Saad, at the Roads and Traffic Agency.


    The inspections go beyond just monitoring improper e-scooter and cycle parking. Teams are also vigilant about other potential hazards, such as abandoned construction debris, non-compliant billboards, illegal vehicle refueling activities on public pathways, and even overgrown vegetation that could obstruct visibility. Saad emphasized the RTA's commitment to upholding regulations, stating, "If there is non-compliance, the RTA will take the appropriate legal measures against violators."


    For a city renowned for its modern infrastructure and commitment to pedestrian-friendly policies, the crackdown is a necessary step. Allowing public walkways to be treated as personal parking spots not only poses a safety hazard but also tarnishes Dubai's reputation for orderliness.


    The authorities are urging all development entities, free zones, and residents to respect the rules and conditions for using public rights-of-way. Adhering to Dubai's standards and specifications is crucial for maintaining the smooth flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic throughout the emirate.


    As Dubai continues to embrace sustainable and eco-friendly modes of transportation like e-scooters and cycles, it's vital that users operate these vehicles responsibly. Finding proper designated parking zones, even if slightly inconvenient, is a small price to pay for upholding public safety and preserving the city's aesthetic appeal.


    The RTA's message is clear: Dubai's commitment to being a world-class city means no tolerance for selfish behavior that compromises the greater public good. By working together and exercising civic responsibility, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the city's impressive infrastructure without sacrificing order or safety.

June 12, 2024 — Deiv Mico