More than 7,000 motorists were fined in the Capital last year for driving on the hard shoulder to avoid traffic congestion.

Traffic authorities said that although the figures have decreased in 2016, compared to 2015, drivers are still putting lives of other motorists at risk by using the hard shoulder to have an easy way out of traffic jams.

Brigadier Khalifa Al Khaili, Director of the Traffic and Patrols Department at the Abu Dhabi Police, said that 7,349 motorists were fined for using the emergency lane. However, the number reflects a 23 per cent reduction in the offence from the previous year. Brigadier Al Khaili attributed the reduction to the ongoing efforts of the police and surveillance cameras installed on the roads.

In 2012, the traffic department launched a monitoring programme aimed at increasing road safety, as part of which, cameras were installed at more than 150 junctions in Abu Dhabi, Al Gharbia and Al Ain.

He noted that those who violate the hard shoulder regulation will be imposed a fine of AED 600 fine a penalty of six black points.

Moreover, motorists who repeat the offence will receive a tougher penalty. Brigadier Al Khaili explained that using the emergency stopping lane is classified as dangerous and is an extreme obstruction to traffic.

He urged drivers to be patient in cases of traffic jams and to wait for their turn to pass. He also explained that those who fail to give way for emergency vehicles and police will receive a Dh500 fine, four black points and a one month confiscation of the vehicle.

In an event of an emergency or vehicle breakdown, hard shoulders can be used to park the vehicle to maintain the flow of traffic on roads.