Traffic Light Cameras At 10 Intersections In Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Directorate has announced that it has installed traffic light cameras at 10 intersections in Abu Dhabi, bringing the total number of intersections fitted with these cameras in Abu Dhabi to 36. This step was implemented as part of the first phase of the project that aim to install traffic control systems at all intersections. It is worth mentioning that this project is part of the approach to use state-of-the-art automatic traffic control systems, and is in line with Abu Dhabi Police’ traffic safety strategy that aims to make roads safer.

Brigadier Eng. Hussein Ahmed Al Harithi, Director of Traffic and Patrols Directorate at Abu Dhabi Police, said that the cameras used to monitor traffic violators at Abu Dhabi intersections operate with state-of-the-art technology and high efficiency. The cameras use infrared technology that captures images without the use of flash in order to catch violators.

“The traffic control cameras are 3D thermal cameras covering more than five lanes in each direction. They are multifunctional, and include infrared license plate readers. They are used to determine the numbers and types of passing vehicles, estimating the average speed, and determining the number and direction of pedestrians while traffic signals turn green and red,” noted Brigadier Eng. Al Harithi. Furthermore, he pointed out that as part of the monitoring system, which was launched by the directorate at the beginning of 2012, 150 light-controlled junctions will be fitted with surveillance cameras in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Western Region.

The infrared-run surveillance systems at intersections catch motorists who run red lights, misuse traffic lanes, park vehicles on pedestrian crossings, exceed speed limits; and drivers who illegally overtake other vehicles at intersections, in addition to catching vehicles that make illegal or U-turns to the left from the wrong lane. On the same note, Brigadier Eng. Al Harithi urged motorists to abide by traffic laws, pay attention and reduce speed near intersections. He also warned them against blocking traffic at intersections by making a U-turn from the wrong lane and impeding the movement of pedestrians by parking their vehicles on pedestrian crossings.

In conclusion, Brigadier Eng. Al Harithi explained that the traffic monitoring system at intersections in the emirate is a modern traffic system allowing continuous assessment of the structure of the intersections and their impact on traffic safety and accidents. The system is linked to the directorate’s notifications and text messaging system, as well as the Portable Variable Message Signs (PVMS). “The project represents one of the most important traffic safety improvement projects (engineering, awareness, control, assessment, response speed),” added Al Harithi.

Emirate:  Abu Dhabi

Date: Dec 31, 2013

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