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Dubai: Reckless bus drivers should be slapped with harsher fines and should not be allowed to drive more than 100 km per hour, said a manager of a bus company.
"Everyone's life is precious," said Kamran Ahmad, manager of Fancy Transport.
The bus rental companies were responding to the intensive crackdown on offences committed by minibus drivers.
"Before buses are imported to the UAE they should first have their speedometer locked to a maximum speed," said Ahmad.
He added that drivers should be trained not to speed and that it is better to pick up passengers 10 minutes earlier than usual instead of changing lanes and being a menace on the roads.
Several managers of rental companies agreed that it is very common to see bus drivers speeding and changing lanes, and that the authorities should take a stronger stand in ensuring that the safety rules are adhered to.
"Rash drivers are not limited to bus drivers but to motorists as well. Campaigns should be for everyone driving on the roads because safety is an important issue that is not followed by everyone," said Marius Gentry, human resource manager, Avis Rent a Car.
Police at the traffic department are expected to hold urgent meetings soon with companies that own or rent minibuses to discuss safety procedures to prevent accidents.
"Sometimes mini-buses are overloaded and passengers are forced to stand, and this is a dangerous practice which can be seen in many buses. Drivers should only be employed if they have experience and hold a good record in driving," said Mirza Hafeez Baig, managing director, Hafeez Bus Rental.
Before buses are imported to the UAE they should first have their speedometer locked to a maximum speed."
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