British ATOM University delegates visit the RTA

Discussions took place in a recent visit made by the delegation to the premises of the RTA.

Engineer Badr Al Sairi, Director of Traffic Dep't at Traffic & Roads Agency, stated that since the beginning of this year, RTA adopted practical steps to switch traffic awareness in Dubai from a random system based on responding to events and activities on seasonal occasions into a system based on a sustained scientific program based on studies & statistics.

"RTA is adopting a traffic awareness methodology based on five pillars at the top of which is enhancing community partnerships so as to motivate every community member to shoulder his / her responsibility. Traffic awareness largely depends on a permanent program, and under one episode it could be based on campaigns of specific timing, place & objectives are launched," he said.

Al Sairi added: "Through our methodology, which is largely based on ethics, we aim at making Dubai a model and an example to be followed, as indeed it is now, in the field of traffic safety in various walks of life. One of the key aspects of this methodology is to prepare a future generation, which knows how to safeguard its lives & lives of others."

The British delegation included Greenville Richards, Advisor of the British ATOM University, Gary Austin, University Chancellor, and David Thomas, Unit Director in the University. The delegation reviewed the prevailing traffic situation around the world and the large number of lives claimed by traffic accidents on daily basis. It stressed that confronting such a situation warrants extensive cooperation with various elements of the community and developing scientific & technical guidelines explaining to driving license holders their weaknesses and the impact of negative attitudes not on them only but on the community in general.

The visiting delegation hailed the achievements, infrastructure & and the overall structure in the emirate; a factor which helps stepping the condition of traffic safety. The delegation also reviewed the achievements of ATOM University across Britain and studies compiled by the university. They expressed their readiness to cooperate with all concerned & specialized parties in traffic safety in Dubai and the UAE in general.

From the RTA the meeting was attended by engineer Khalfan Al Barwani, Director of Traffic Safety, Al Mu'tasim Billah Mohammad, Manager of Traffic Safety, Mohammed Ibdah, Traffic Safety specialist, and Mohammad Hassan Abdul Bari Al Hafiz, Traffic Awareness Programs Supervisor.