Booked For Road Crossing Violation
Yes folks! We’ve been slapped with a 150 Dirham fine for a road-crossing violation, in Abu Dhabi!!
We (four of us) crossed this road as usual from a mid-road zebra crossing, along with many others, who were waiting for the traffic to thin down. When we reached the other end of the road, I noticed a crowd gathered around one man (a rare spectacle here!). Before I could think about the crowd, a young man dressed in low jeans, loose t-shirt and a cap shouted “Come here!”
He moved closer to us and forced everyone to listen to him by showing his official card hanging around his neck. This guy was SOME government official, and so no one inquired further about his credentials. He then focused his attention on me and my brother-in-law incessantly asking for our bitaqa (ID card). He then asked my dad for his ID card and revealed our crime. Thousands of such violators were booked yesterday at this very crossing!
All such mid-road crossings are officially disallowed. Apparently, this was also published in newspapers few weeks ago.
Ironically, I’ve been a strong advocate of such bookings for pedestrians who don’t follow the rules for crossing the road. So, in the end, it’s like a dream come true, not exactly the right way though 
I must get cautious too! I cross road from anywhere!
Yeah, watch out for plain-clothed officials before crossing.
Hahaha….u know that is the beauty of Pakistan :)….u can cross road from anywhere with or without zebra crossing …though i want it to be changed and can’t see it changing