Drivers blocking the way of ambulances, police cars and other emergency vehicles during accidents will be fined Dh500 and have four black points added to their traffic record, according to a senior Dubai police officer.
Brigadier Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, acting director of the police operations general administration, said a proposal for the penalty has been presented to the federal traffic council for approval.
He said penalties would apply to motorists deliberately obstructing the way to emergency vehicles, adding that violators would be photographed by police cars and rescue vehicles, which all are equipped with cameras.
He told local newspapers that some people injured in accidents had died because they had not been taken to hospital on time due to road obstructions.
“A person could die within four minutes in a fire because of the smoke…swift movement of ambulances is decisive to save lives…we urge the public to realize this fact.”