30 July 2006
Dubai: Traffic congestion in Dubai is expected to decrease by more than 15 per cent once a new hi-tech traffic management and signalling system becomes operational on major roads.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) started setting up the smart traffic system on the Airport and Emirate Roads, which currently display the RTA logo and the name of the system in English and Arabic.
Electronic lane and speed control signals will be installed along critical roadways to provide advance warning of lane closures or the need to reduce speed.
The smart traffic project includes the installation of 30 surveillance cameras and 500 sensors with radars and 50 cameras to monitor incidents such as vehicular breakdown, accidents and traffic congestion. The sensors will detect changes in the traffic flow.
The system will provide traveller information to home or office via internet, touch-screen kiosks in malls and other public places, via wireless web access or short text messaging to subscribers. Real time data will be provided through Dalili - the navigation system introduced by the RTA recently.
With motorists getting real-time traffic situationers, they will be able to alter their routes to avoid the congested areas, Maitha Bin Adai, chief executive officer of the RTA, said.
Based on studies made by the agency, motorists stand to reduce up to 1.5 million driving hours per year once the smart traffic system comes online in October.
"This system will help manage traffic by quick detection of accidents, vehicle breakdown and other incidents that lead to traffic disruption, and ensure fast response from police and emergency services to restore normal traffic flow," Bin Adai said.
The system will give priority to vehicles of the police, fire and ambulance service which will all be fitted with sensors connected to Dubai Police's Operations Room.
By Alia Al Theeb
Gulf News 2006. All rights reserved.
