Dedicated zone for off-roaders under study

The Automobile & Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) and representatives of Al Ain Municipality on Monday (May 10) held a meeting on issues surrounding SUV and Quad leisure activity with an emphasis on safety and the environment.
It was noted that while the stability of four wheels provides the feel of greater safety and control, their weight and speed mean that accidents involving such bikes and SUVs often result in serious injury and can be fatal.
ATCUAE President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “The harsh reality is that in recent years there have been serious injuries, fatalities and environment degradation, all of which is of great concern.
“Although these vehicles are meant for off-road use only, they are not toys and should still be treated as a motor vehicle and suitable safety equipment, such as a helmet, should be worn.
“These vehicles should only be used in areas specified for the purpose and not on pavements, roads, public property or parks,” Sulayem, who is also FIA Vice President, added, noting that mechanisms have also to be put in place to soften the impact on the environment.
While placing the expertise of the ATCUAE at the disposal of Al Ain Municipality, Sulayem said the Club was prepared to go beyond its advisory capacity to assist the Municipality achieve the desired results of safeguarding lives and the environment.
Al Ain Municipality Performance Management Division Manager Abdulla Khalifa Al Darmaki while noting the seriousness of the issue at hand thanked Sulayem for extending his unreserved support.
“We want to ensure that we take steps in the right direction which is why the Municipality has sought the ATCUAE’s assistance as it is the right body to advise us on this matter.
“Mr. Sulayem is not only a great race driver, but also a champion for such worthy causes as safety and the environment,” Darmaki added.
It was generally agreed that off-road leisure activities should be confined to within dedicated, controlled and supervised areas with adequate facilities to ensure the safety of all concerned.
A clearer picture of the shape of things to come is likely to emerge in the  weeks ahead, aimed at ensuring that leisure riders are not denied their fun and at same time and a plan that will safeguard the interests of off-road enthusiasts, public and the environment.
Al Ain Municipality was represented by Abdulla Khalifa Al Darmaki , Ahmad Ali Abdulrahman Al Harmoudi, Rashed Hamar Ain Al Dhahiri and Mahmoud Shaker Al Shammari, while Sulayem was assisted by a team consisting of Mahir Badri, John Spiller, Abdul Hamid Alawadi and Adel Kassem.