In a significant move towards ensuring road safety and reducing the impact of heavy vehicles on UAE’s highways, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) has introduced amendments to the federal law regulating the weights and dimensions of heavy vehicles.
These amendments were recently approved by the UAE Cabinet and have comprehensive implications for the nation’s infrastructure, transport, and logistics sectors. The move represents a pivotal moment in the UAE’s ongoing commitment to road safety.
Key Amendments
The most important of these amendments is the establishment of a permissible maximum weight for heavy vehicles at 65 tonnes, effective from 2024. These new weight limits aim to enhance road safety and reduce the risk of accidents involving heavy vehicles.
These heavy vehicle regulations will apply to all vehicles using UAE roads, regardless of whether they are licensed in the country or from abroad, except for vehicles owned by security, military, police, and civil defence authorities.
To ensure adherence to these regulations, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) will establish a network of 24 smart electronic gates by the end of 2024. These gates will efficiently and accurately measure the weights and dimensions of heavy vehicles.
Additionally, MoEI will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to establish specific maximum weight and axle limits, dimensions based on vehicle classifications, and the number of axles.
Safety Impact
The implementation of these regulations is expected to have a profound impact on road safety. Studies indicate that accidents involving heavy vehicles account for 62% of the road death rate. By reducing the permissible maximum weight, these regulations aim to reduce the traffic accident rate by 50% per 100,000 people.
Smart Gates and Enhanced Monitoring
The advanced technology that will be used to monitor compliance with the new regulations is significant. Electronic sensors and 3D laser scanners, known for their 98% accuracy rate, will be integrated into 24 smart gates to monitor the weight, dimensions, and number of heavy vehicles without the need for manual inspections. These gates will be constructed and installed during a four-month grace period.
Additionally, there will be 12 electronic portals, managed and supervised by the Energy and Infrastructure Ministry, and another 12 portals managed by Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre. This comprehensive electronic monitoring system will significantly enhance the ability to enforce the new regulations effectively.
Compliance and Penalties
The law, which will come into effect on October 1, 2023, will grant companies and owners of heavy vehicles until February 1, 2024, to ensure their compliance with the new regulations.
Conclusion
The UAE’s initiative to regulate the weights and dimensions of heavy vehicles, accompanied by the installation of smart gates and electronic monitoring systems, is a significant step toward ensuring the safety of drivers and making the country’s roads safer.
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