(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The Sharjah Police have warned desert campers - who come from various parts of the country - not to violate regulations by indulging in "irresponsible" acts that may lead to serious accidents.
Col Ahmed Bin Darwish, director of central region police department, said the police have put all preparations in place for the winter season, including a range of precautions and security and preventive measures. "The streets leading to camping areas are not racing rings, but places to drive safely away from speed and recklessness," he pointed out.
Col Darwish pointed out that the police have also launched awareness campaigns targeting desert campers to make them realize the importance of adhering to rules and laws to ensure their safety as well as that of other visitors.
Disturbance and reckless driving
He said that in the wake of complaints about disturbance from residents living close to the camping desert areas, the Sharjah Police have introduced restrictions to redress the problem. Camping in such areas would now only be allowed after obtaining permission from the authorities concerned. "The presence of a large number of campers and tourists in such areas creates disturbance, as many of them play loud music and make ear-shattering noise," Col Darwish added.
This year, the police started early to tackle the issue by forming a working committee and implementing a plan which included the deployment of patrols on high roads leading to the camping areas and rescue units at the exits and entrances. Patrols were deployed since October-start. They have already started instructing motorists to refrain from creating commotion, not to drive in unauthorized areas, avoid using cars that are not designed for desert driving and not to get engaged in group racing. "Last year, there were serious injuries due to wrong driving of the squad motorbike which we have observed are overloaded with small and young children," he added.
He said that the desert cars are prepared for sandy tracks, but if one of its drivers lacks the necessary expertise, it turns into a nightmare. Those who do not drive professionally cause accidents, he pointed out.
Special operation room
The Sharjah Police have established a special operation room near camping areas to serve only the desert campers and respond to any emergency as quickly as possible. It is entrusted with the responsibility to locate those who get lost in the desert and provide first aid to anyone who receives minor injuries. The patrol - which support the operation room - remain in the area until late in the night. Some of the patrols have also been deployed at the checkpoints near the entrance of Badayer to nab people driving without licences as well as monitor other violations. Police have put barbed wire fencing on the roads to prevent accidents caused by stray animals and camels.
He explained that the police would soon introduce a special vehicle with necessary equipment that moves immediately and serves Badayer, 'Al-Faiya, and camping areas on Melihah Street. He urged campers to call 999 in case of any trouble so that police vehicles can respond fast.
Fines for unauthorized camping
Col Darwish said that a fine of Dh2, 000 would be imposed for camping in unauthorized areas. This fine is doubled in case of repeated violations. The fines have been linked with the ministry of interior's system, to be paid when renewing vehicle registrations.
Community police
Lt Col Faris Abu Afra, deputy director of community police, said that they are taking advantage of the huge presence of tourists and residents in the camping areas during the winter season to convey positive messages about security of the community, and enlightening people about important traffic and security laws.
Afkar Abdullah
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