Sharjah Police is implementing a new radar system to prevent trucks from using external and internal roads during restricted hours without prior permission, it was reported.

The project, which will be the first of its kind in the Middle East, has been in the works since 2013 and has undergone phases of testing, said Captain Jamal Obaid Buaafra, Director of the Roads Control Section, quoted in The National.

In the first phase, radars were deployed around nine locations, such as Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Maliha Road and Al Dhaid-Al Madam Road. In the second phase, seven additional radars were installed on Sheikh Khalifa Road, Emirates Road, Industrial streets and on the Airport Road, bringing the total number to 16, it was reported.

Once the radars were deployed, traffic flow has become smoother, particularly on external roads and industrial streets, Buaafra added. The number of accidents also decreased, and there was a 10% drop in congestion. Trucks have started abiding by the timing ban at a rate of 90%, compared to before the radars were installed.

Trucks are not allowed on roads from 5.30am to 9.30am, 1pm to 3pm and from 5.30pm to 9.30pm.