New transport rules for schools across Abu Dhabi, which includes limiting buses to a maximum speed of 80kph, are now in force across the Emirate.
Announced earlier this year, the new rules have been put into operation by education bosses to improve road safety. A key focus are the schools’ buses, with the vehicles being kitted out with GPS devices and CCTV cameras. It will also become mandatory that the buses undergo regular maintenance checks and drivers will have their speed monitored daily.
Yousif Al Sheryani, executive director of private schools and quality assurance at Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC), said the GPS devices would track bus locations, as well as feed back details of speed and braking.
Al Sheryani added “Under the rules, drivers must also carry out daily checks of tyres, lights, seats, and the structure of the bus to ensure they are in good condition. Bus drivers are also required to be at least 25 years old, have had a valid UAE license for at least a year and be able to speak Arabic or English.”
