Since November 2020, incident monitoring on Dubai roads has improved by a huge 63 percent, which has led to a 30 percent improvement in response time of the emergency services.
Thanks to its Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS), the first phase of which was implemented less than two years ago, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has managed to cut down the travel time in the emirates by 20 percent.
Most importantly, its efficacy has also led to saving lives.
Smart technology on Dubai roads
These statistics were revealed by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, who said the second phase of the ITS will be operational over the next few months, bringing the total length of roads covered in Dubai to 710kms from the current 480kms.
The initial phase expanded ITS coverage of Dubai’s main road network from 11 percent to 60 percent.
The second phase of the project will cover the entire main roads of the emirate.
Al Tayer said: “Expanding the ITS coverage is a key element in supporting the government’s drive to transform Dubai into the smartest city in the world, which involves the use of smart technologies and software to ease mobility around Dubai.
“These improvements are credited to using dynamic message signs, integrating with RTA’s Enterprise Command and Control Centre, and linking with Dubai Police’s Command and Control Centre.”
The Dubai ITS Centre is one of the largest and most sophisticated traffic control centres worldwide in terms of using smart technology, managing traffic systems, and supporting both current and future transportation modes.
It uses the latest applications of artificial intelligence, big data, Internet of Things, and communication systems and has a whole host of traffic-monitoring devices, information-capturing gadgets, and other smart services.
The centre’s advanced (iTraffic) system, which is linked with field devices, works under an integrated technology platform to collect and analyse big data.
It also supports instant decisions to manage traffic movement, incidents, and mega-events.
Dubai roads utilise hi-tech sensors
As many as 112 dynamic message signs were installed and upgraded in the first phase. These relay real-time information to motorists about roads condition such as congestion and incidents.
They also transmit messages, guidance, and key tips about traffic safety and event management to enhance the efficiency of traffic management.
The first phase also involved the installation of traffic monitoring and data capturing systems including 116 new traffic cameras, bringing the total number of surveillance cameras installed to 235.
As many as 100 incidents detection and vehicle counting devices were installed, which raises the total number of such devices to 235 as well. Also integrated in the service are 115 transit time and speed computing devices along with 17 Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS).
It was just not the devices that needed to be installed. Equally important was the construction of a 660-km long fibre-optic network for communication between these on-site devices and the central system. The total length of the optical fibre network alongside Dubai roads is now 820km.
RTA is pushing new technology with self-driving cars and a presence in the metaverse.
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