Up-to-date road and travel information provided by weatherproof devices to be visible from up to 300 meters

Abu Dhabi on Sunday, July 04, 2010 - The Department of Transport (DoT) in Abu Dhabi announced that it has deployed 40 state-of-the-art Portable Variable Message Signs (PVMS) as a first stage in this service in order to enhance emirate-wide road safety.

The PVMS are to be used for the upcoming Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November 2010 as it was previously used by the DoT for the Formula 1 2009, and FIFA Club World Cup 2009 which was held at the Zayed Sports City and Mohammed Bin Zayed stadiums.

Visible from a distance of up to 300 meters, the wheeled hydraulic portable devices can be easily positioned in areas. PVMS are commonly used globally to provide drivers with warnings and up-to-date information on road and travel conditions and have proven to be very effective in reducing speeds and preventing crashes. The DoT noted that PVMS is being used as a short-term solution until permanent VMS and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are installed possibly within the next three years. The Department added that the equipment will initially be deployed in the Abu Dhabi - Dubai and Abu Dhabi - Al Ain main roads and will provide digital messages in both Arabic and English.

"Abu Dhabi's transport infrastructure is currently undergoing extensive development       and thus requires the latest technologies and strategies to maintain safety. Unlike typical static signs, PVMS can provide critical and timely advice to drivers based on prevailing conditions such as bad weather, ongoing roadwork, heavy traffic congestion, and crashes. It also complements the emergence of Abu Dhabi as a global events hub by providing additional safety in work zones, parking areas, and venues," Eng. Faisal Ahmed Al- Suwaidi, General Director of Main Roads for the Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi.

PVMS will display various messages such as 'Accident Slow Down,' 'Dense Fog Ahead,' and 'Road Closed' under three categories depending on urgency. Messages can be displayed in one to four lines of characters, symbols or animations and are inputted, computers, and other wireless devices. The portable signs are solar-, battery- and generator-powered, and highly resistant to extreme temperatures and various weather conditions, and come with a security and anti-theft system.

The DoT is working closely with the Abu Dhabi Police to raise public awareness on PVMS, enforce the use of the devices, and provide the proper messages to drivers. The equipment will be maintained by a separate contractor who will be directed by both the DoT and the Abu Dhabi Police. PVMS is already being lauded by motorists as an important step in enhancing road safety and uplifting Abu Dhabi's image as a secure and technology-enabled travel destination. 

The Department of Transport ("DoT") was established pursuant to Law No. 4 of year 2006, amended by Law No. 5 of year 2008 to cover the entire value chain and ensure fully coordinated planning in all aspects of transport policy and development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in cooperation with all relevant local, regional and international stakeholders and partners.

-Ends-

For more information, please contact:
Mahmoud Ahmed Elasheri
Public Relations & Communications Consultant,
Department of Transport
P. O. Box 20
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
T: +971-2-656-6327 
Email: mahmoud.elasheri@dot.abudhabi.ae

Haidy Lotfy
Account Manager
V Public Relations
A division of Viola Communications
Tel: 02-644-9444
Email: melanie@viola.ae

© Press Release 2010