By HAMZA M. SENGENDO   

DUBAI: A 100 per cent discount on the total accumulated existing traffic fines awaits drivers who do not commit any traffic violation until the end of this year, Dubai Police announced on Wednesday.

During a press conference at the Dubai Police Headquarters, police launched “Traffic Fines Settlement in the Emirate of Dubai” initiative benefiting motorists who abide by traffic rules and regulations and commit no violation.

At the conference held at the Dubai Police General HQ, Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-chief of Dubai Police, said the initiative is in response to the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has declared the year 2019 as the ‘Year of Tolerance’, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

“The move responds to directives of His Highness the UAE president who declared 2019 the Year of Tolerance, and directives of UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

“His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum stressed that ‘Tolerance increases strength and resilience, and helps establish a global, cohesive society,’” said the Dubai Police Commander-in-Chief Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri.

On his part, Assistant Commander-in-chief for Operations Major General Mohammed Saif Al Zafeen said the initiative applies to all vehicles registered in Dubai, on condition the driver does not commit any violations from Feb.2019.

He explained the circumstances under which drivers can obtain reductions. “There is a 25 per cent reduction on the total accumulated existing fines for drivers who do not commit any traffic violations for three months,” he said.

“In the same way, those who do not commit any traffic violations for six months can obtain a 50 per cent reduction on the total accumulated existing fines and those who do so for nine months can avail of a 75 per cent reduction.

“Drivers who do not commit any traffic violations for 12 months from now can obtain a 100 per cent reduction on the total accumulated existing fines. This means they can have all their traffic fines waived under this initiative.”

Maj. Gen. Al Marri explained, “A Dhs10,000 fine drops to Dhs7,500 in three months, to Dhs5,000 in six, to Dhs2,500 in nine and in the even that no violation is committed throughout the year, the total value of all fines is waived.”

Responding to this reporter’s view that this is going to encourage those with fines to keep a clean record but procrastinate to pay fines, he said, “We regard the public our partners in achieving positive goals such as reducing traffic deaths.

“We are not after collecting fines but ensuring traffic safety and security to lives and property. This initiative is the core of the Dubai Police’s interest in terms of securing roads and lives as well as ensuring the happiness of our communities.”

He expounded that it is a result of thorough studies and researches of what is happening in reality and a true representation of tolerance where laws and customs are set to serve humanity, “but not just to discipline traffic law violators.”

Al Zafeen added, “Compliance is computed starting from the 6th Feb with a 25 per cent cut for every three months. If a driver commits an offence before the end of the period, he/she cannot benefit from the initiative, the grace period is recounted from the date of the new violation.”

The initiative only applies to privately owned vehicles but not those registered with businesses, rental offices or companies. Also, individuals who reside outside the state for more than three consecutive months from the date of the traffic violation cannot benefit from the initiative.