253 Signs Installed to provide Cautionary Information, Speed Guides and Lanes Condition
Dubai (UAE): Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) called upon motorists and road users to pay attention to the information displayed at the Variable Message Signs (VMS) of the Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS). These messages, which are illustrated in text & graphic formats, provide drivers and road users with important information as they describe the condition of traffic on key roads, bridges, tunnels and crossings in the emirate of Dubai.
Engineer Maitha bin Adai, CEO of RTA Traffic & Roads Agency, stated that RTA has completed installation and commissioning of 253 signs including 73 cautionary signs displaying permissible speed limits, and 162 signs providing information about the condition of lanes. The VMS are operated as part of the ITS and they provide information and guidance about road condition, such as road works, cautions & warnings of road condition, trip duration, expected delay time, end of maximum speed limit, slippery conditions, congested roads, accidents, blocked roads and other guidance necessary for alerting and guiding drivers.
"RTA is considering to expand the ITS to cover all roads in the emirate of Dubai in the next five years. A full assessment of signs is currently underway to upgrade performance and bring it in line with the highest technical standards. RTA will reserve no effort to introduce highly sophisticated traffic systems to uplift the standard & efficiency of traffic in Dubai to match the vision of the RTA to provide 'safe and smooth transport for all" said Maitha.
She said that the aim of the project is to direct drivers to choose the least congested routes and direct them in case of traffic accidents or faulty vehicles before arriving to the spot of the incident. Moreover, they display awareness messages to abide by traffic rules, prescribed speed limits, and other directives necessary for maintaining safety of road users.
About the functionality of these signs engineer Salah Al Marzooki, Director of Intelligent Traffic Systems Dep't at Traffic & Roads Agency, explained that the speed signs are operated automatically by traffic sensors programmed according to the maximum permissible speed limit at each road. These systems detect the speed of vehicles on each track in every minute and transmit this information to the control system; which in turn are reflected on these signs and updated every minute automatically to alert motorists of the average speed of vehicles ahead.
As to signs of lanes conditions, they are controlled and changed according to the condition of each lane. For instance if there is a traffic accident on a 4 lanes-road that resulted in blocking traffic flow in the first lane to the extreme right, the VMS will automatically reflect this incidence. They also automatically identify certain inputs & data for the system and automatically process them according to road condition. The system also monitors traffic congestion on key roads and highways, computes magnitude and detects abnormal traffic flow, such as the conditions associated with traffic accidents, vehicle breakdown on road, and congestion resulting from heavy traffic.
"The system includes sensors capable of detecting traffic accidents on the spot. In case of an accident within the zones covered by the system, sensors will immediately detect a change in traffic flow and the nearest camera will automatically move to film the site of the accident or congestion, and send live images to the respective control center. The VMS covers Sheikh Zayed Rd, Al Khaleej Rd, Emirates Rd, Sh. Rashid Rd, Abu Baker Al Siddique Rd, Al Ittihad Rd, Al Mina Rd, Bani Yas Rd, Al Maktoum Bridge, Al Garhoud Bridge, Air Port Tunnel, Al Shindaga Tunnel, and the Floating Bridge" said Al Marzooki.
He called on motorists and road users to pay attention to these Signs and comply with the guidance & input displayed. He stressed that compliance of motorists with the speed limits displayed and utilizing information regarding the condition of lanes will step up the level of traffic safety for all road users. It will preclude emergence of surprising conditions on roads, including traffic bottlenecks resulting from vehicle breakdown and traffic accidents; which not only block traffic flow but also pose public safety risks to road users.
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© Press Release 2008
