An AED40m ($10.8m) safety programme for the UAE's most dangerous road has been launched by Abu Dhabi authorities.

The Department of Transport (DoT) says that 14% of all road accidents in Abu Dhabi last year took place on this 327km Al Mafraq - Al Ghowaifat highway, which joins the UAE to Saudi Arabia.

It has been learnt that the basic aim of the safety scheme, which runs in conjunction with Abu Dhabi Police, is to enhance traffic safety on the road to bring it in line with international standards.

The end of 2009 will supposedly see the closing of dangerous U-turns, installation of signage and speed humps, as well as improvement of road markings and pedestrian crossings.

A statement released by the department on Wednesday said: "Police have also installed 20 solar-powered automated speed cameras on the entire highway."

(via TopNews. Contributed by Keshav Seth)