Dubai, Aug 31 (Emirates 24|7): Dubai’s traffic police chief has issued a stern warning to users of mobile phones while driving, saying the police will not tolerate such offences by any one.

Major General Mohammed Saif Al Zafeen said violators of these rules face a Dh200 fine and four black points being added to their traffic record, describing such offences as “serious mistakes that often lead to disasters”.

Zafeen’s figures showed Dubai’s police issued 20,772 tickets to motorists who were caught using their mobile phones while driving in the first half of 2013 compared with 23,473 in the first half of 2012.

“This decline does not mean that we are relaxing our laws. We will not tolerate such serious offences which often result in disastrous accidents,” he said.

“I affirm again that police in Dubai will in no way tolerate or forgive anyone who commits this offence.”

Zafeen said persons who receive calls while driving must stop their cars on the right side of the road and make the call. He described those who do this as “wise men”.

“Receiving a call or writing a text on the mobile while driving is very dangerous as this detracts drivers and lead to serious accidents. The department of traffic will not tolerate such offences and will step up road surveillance to catch these offenders.”