Abu Dhabi speed limit buffer scrapped from 12 August

Motorists across Abu Dhabi on Thursday claimed the scrapping of 'buffer zones' across the emirates could mean many more fines for drivers.

Road users said confusion over how and where the new measures were being implemented meant even law-abiding motorists risked breaking speed limits.

From Sunday August 12, drivers throughout Abu Dhabi will no longer be allowed to exceed stated road limits without penalties.

The new move, introduced by Abu Dhabi Police and the Department of Transport, aims to standardise official speed limits, improve road safety and end long-standing question marks over how fast vehicles are permitted to travel.

On most roads under the buffer scheme, motorists can drive up to 20kph faster than speed limit signs actually state.

Last year, official figures showed 230 out of 525 road traffic fatalities in the UAE were caused by speeding.

Over the last few weeks, Abu Dhabi’s traffic authorities have begun rolling out measures in preparation for the law change.

New speed limit signs have been installed, and a publicity campaign launched to raise public awareness of the shift.

In most cases, it is understood speed limit signs on highways that currently read 100kph will be changed to read 120kph. Other sections of road with existing signs showing 120kph will be replaced with 140kph signs.

The National