In Line with the Integrated Intelligent Transportation Systems Division Strategy

Abu Dhabi on Thursday, April 4, 2013 - The Department of Transport (DoT) in Abu Dhabi announced today the launch of its integrated Variable Electronic Message Signs (VMS) project across the city of Abu Dhabi. This initiative comes as part of the DoT's strategy to ensure the seamless integration between all modes of transport to fulfill the transport-safety, mobility and sustainability needs in line with the surface Transport Master Plans (STMP) in Abu Dhabi.   

The project is set to provide over eighty (80) VMS electronic signs across Abu Dhabi main roads and internal streets to alert motorists of traffic congestion, road blocks, construction, road weather information, and road accidents providing needed time to change their travel route, if necessary.

"The launch of our VMS project is a testament to our commitment to providing our community with safer roads across the city of Abu Dhabi," said Eng. Faisel Al Suwaidi, General Director of Main Roads in the Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi. "The electronic signs will allow us to communicate with motorists in real time to ensure they are kept up-to-date with necessary traffic information to plan their route, accordingly and be aware of any upcoming traffic issues."

The DoT is preparing to launch two types of VMS to enhance road safety. Thirty-eight (38) electronic signs will be general message boards which alert motorists of any road closures, while forty-eight (48) electronic signs will provide specific lane messages identifying closures and speed limit changes preparing motorists for any road diversions and upcoming traffic. The signs will also be fitted with closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) to ensure that messages are clear and up-to-date.

In addition, fifty-six (56) of the electronic signs will also feature traffic counters that will collect data and send across to the central data center. The data will be analyzed in real time and will be used to alert motorists if there is upcoming traffic and estimated delay time. The DoT will also track weather conditions such as fog and rain fall, to prepare motorists to reduce their driving speeds and be extra vigilant while on the road.

"As part of our Abu Dhabi Surface Transport Master Plan (STMP), we will continue to evolve our roads by implementing a set of international services and regulations to keep our motorists informed and safe," Al Suwaidi added.

The project will be rolled out across several phases and will be fully operational during the third quarter of 2014.

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 city of Abu Dhabi in cooperation with all relevant local, regional and international stakeholders and partners.

For more information or inquiries, please contact:
Mahmoud Ahmed Elasheri
Public Relations & Communications Consultant
Department of Transport
T: +971-2-656-6327
Email: mahmoud.elasheri@dot.abudhabi.ae  

Zainab Al Zubaidi
PR & Communications Officer
Department of Transport
T: +971-2-656-6425
Email: zainab.alzubaidi@dot.abudhabi.ae

© Press Release 2013