The start of the new school year has brought back traffic congestion in the UAE. On the first day, we could see how bad the traffic would be. Parents dropping off or picking up their kids at school are causing traffic jams.

Additionally, many yellow school buses were on the roads, and the roads near schools were full of cars. This showed us how difficult it would be for people to travel during the school year.

But how to cope with this situation?

Let’s explore some strategies to avoid traffic congestion and potential penalties.

Traffic Jams Near Schools

Schools can cause traffic jams during back-to-school season. This is because many parents drive their kids to and from school, and there are also school buses and private transport services. This is a problem in areas with narrow roads and insufficient space for all the traffic.

Ferdinand Fraga, who lives in Dubai, said that schools can become very congested during the morning and afternoon. Even if parents only stop for a short time, it can cause a long line of cars to form. This is very unsafe, and it can lead to accidents. It’s important to note that causing traffic congestion can result in RTA fines in Dubai.

The Morning Rush and Commute Challenges

The first day of school in the UAE was a mess! Many cars were on the roads because so many students were returning to school. It was hard to get anywhere because the roads were full.

Many people used apps like Google Maps and Waze to find different ways to go. But even then, it was still hard to avoid the traffic. Some of the busiest roads were:

Sheikh Zayed Road
Emirates Road
Al Khail Road
Dubai Marina Road
Al Ittihad Road

Dubai Traffic Fines for Illegal School Drop-Offs

If you stop your car in the middle of the road, you could get a ticket. This is especially bad if you do it near a school. You might have to pay a traffic fine in Dubai of Dh 1,000 and lose 6 points on your driving license.

A traffic expert from Dubai Police said that fines can help people be better drivers. But it’s more important for parents to be careful on the road. They should drop their kids off at school early to avoid traffic. They can also park in special places and walk a little bit to school.

Managing Back-To-School Traffic

Leave Early for School

To avoid traffic jams and have a less stressful morning, it’s important to leave for school early. This is especially important during the first few weeks of the school year. Leaving early can also teach your kids the importance of being on time and responsible.

When you leave early, you’ll have more time to get ready and enjoy a peaceful morning. It’s like starting your day with a fresh breeze! So next time you’re getting ready for school, remember to leave early and have a great day!

Planning Your School Commute

When taking your kids to school, it’s important to plan ahead. Know when your child’s classes start and end, and find the best way to get there. Use apps like Google Maps to see where the traffic is and find a faster route. Also, learn the best way to go to your destination, considering when you need to drop off or pick up your kids.

Schools Implement Staggered Start Times to Reduce Traffic

Some schools are trying something new to help with traffic. They are starting at different times, so not all students come and go at the same time. Bloom World Academy in Al Barsha South is implementing this strategy. The idea is to start school at a different time than when most people go to work.

John Bell, the principal of Bloom World Academy, said that starting school at 9 AM is a great idea. It gives families more time in the morning, less stress, and less traffic. He thinks that staggered school start times are important for families.

Tracy Crowder-Chloe, the principal of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, said that they have a plan to manage traffic on the first day of school. They have special parking areas and crossing points. Their security team is helping to keep traffic moving smoothly.

To help new students get used to school, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is also starting school at different times for the first two weeks. This gives the students a chance to get used to the classroom and meet their teachers and classmates.

Using School Buses and Carpooling

To reduce traffic during rush hour, parents should use school buses or share rides with other parents. This will help to have fewer cars on the road.

Schools should have guards to stop parents from parking their cars in front of schools. They should also build more parking spaces to avoid parking violations in Dubai.

Parents should plan and arrive at school early to avoid traffic and stress. They can also share rides with other parents or use the school bus.

Unfortunately, many parents behave badly around schools when they pick up or drop off their kids. Parents should set a positive example for their children.

Additionally, they should be polite and safe on the road. At the same time, they teach their kids about road safety and how to behave around schools. One important thing is to not stop their cars in front of schools.

Take the Bus or Train

If you live near a bus or train station, you can use public transportation to get your child to school. This can help you avoid traffic and save time. It’s also a good way to teach your child about using public transportation, which is a helpful skill for the future. Plus, it’s often cheaper than driving, especially if you have to pay for parking.

Conclusion

Traffic jams can be a big problem during the school year, especially when parents are dropping off or picking up their kids. To avoid traffic and fines, parents can try different things. They can leave for school early, plan their routes, use public transportation, or share rides with other parents. By doing these things, everyone can have a smoother and safer commute.

Remember, understanding Dubai police traffic fines and their cost can also help you avoid unnecessary penalties.