New road signs for Abu Dhabi

The Department of Transport (DoT) in Abu Dhabi has deployed 40 state-of-the-art portable variable message signs (PVMS) as a first stage 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 as it was previously used by the DoT for the Formula 1 2009, and Fifa Club World Cup 2009, held at the Zayed Sports City and Mohammed bin Zayed stadiums.
The wheeled hydraulic portable devices are visible from a distance of up to 300 metres. 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 PVMS are being used as a short-term solution until permanent VMS and intelligent transportation systems are installed, possibly within the next three years. The department added that the equipment will initially be deployed on 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," Faisal Ahmed Al Suwaidi, General Director of Main Roads for the DoT.
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.