An updated computer programme for Dubai Police's traffic department will finally be installed, "plugging holes" in the 24-year-old system and speeding up privatisation.
Updating the traffic computer system, installed in 1985, was actually agreed to two years ago, Lt. Col. Hani Al Sawalhi, head of traffic engineering and safety, told Gulf News. "Problems in the programme delayed implementation," he said.
Traffic department staff are training on the new programme, set to be installed in a week's time. The new system will be "a complete change from the roots" and should "block up gaps in the (current) system," Lt. Col. Al Sawalhi said.
The system, the official said, "will ensure an electronic tie between all local government bodies information will be updated immediately, instead of going through file transfers."
The system will also speed up privatisation, Colonel Ahmad Hamdan Bin Dalmouk, head of electronic services at Dubai police said.
"The traffic department has been slowly implementing privatisation, with registration services at Epco and Emirates, for instance. Now this will be speeded up."
After the changes are introduced, the criminal investigation department should be able to relay information instantly to the traffic department to ensure that stolen cars are not legally resold and that wanted people are caught if they make any government transactions.
Another issue to be resolved with the new system is the impounding of cars. In Dubai, cars are impounded at the municipality and by the police. "Impounded cars are not on the system, so we'd miss important information when somebody would report a car missing," Lt. Col. Al Sawalhi said.
There are also plans to have insurance windows on the system. If negotiations are successful, the official said, people registering their cars will be able to choose an insurance firm at the traffic department and pay the fees when registering vehicles.
Police are also introducing a free SMS service for Dubai residents. Ahmad Qaid Ahmad, a computer programmer for Dubai Police, said it would allow residents to check their fines and have reminders sent for car ownership renewal. Registration is free, and users can have messages sent in English and Arabic at a cost of 60 fils per message. More information can be found at www.mdubai.ae
The police are also implementing a system in its headquarters to try to "eliminate bureaucracy as much as possible" Major Omar Miran, head of quality assurance at Dubai Police electronic services, said.
PDA database
- A part of the new traffic system will see officers receiving PDAs in fieldwork. Fines can be issued electronically with the new system. The PDAs have full access to traffic databases.
- "Now you won't have the excuse that this is the first time you parked illegally," said Col Ahmad Hamdan Bin Dalmouk, head of electronic services at Dubai Police.
- The PDAs are equipped with camera and video, which can be used if officers want to document why a fine was given, and can be used as evidence in court, the traffic official said.
Gulf News
