Dubai traffic signals controlled from phone lines – set to change

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the completion of connecting all traffic signals in the emirate with the Traffic Control Centre.

Meanwhile, the agency said that work is up and running in completing the project of shifting the control of traffic signals from the existing hired telephone lines to the 3G technology and enabling remote control of signals via RTA’s Traffic Control Centre.

The step is set to alleviate and enable better management of traffic congestion at junctions as per the changing traffic patterns, and accordingly minimise the delay resulting from the timing and synchronisation issues of the traffic signals such that the control is totally shifted from wire to wireless systems in the emirate.

Maitha bin Udai, CEO of RTA Traffic & Roads Agency, said: “This innovative project will boost the global profile of Dubai, particularly as the system is applied for the first time worldwide.

“The system has a host of benefits such as its effectiveness, smooth implementation and link with the Control Centre, easy maintenance, and the low-cost compared to the previous scenario; where an infrastructure of cables and lines from service providers are required near each signal.”

Commenting on the project progress, Bin Udai said that the RTA, represented by the Traffic and Roads Agency, had finalised the site surveying in order to capture information about the Loop Location, Scoot Loop for the entire number of junctions in Dubai which is 410 junctions.

“Till the middle of last January, the RTA completed 75 per cent of works for connecting light signals with the 3G wireless network. Now, the RTA controls 330 signalised junctions in Dubai using the 3G technology, and the remaining number of signals (about 500) will be linked with the Control Centre via 3G network by the end of March 2015,” Bin Udai said, explaining the work progress of the project.

“Accordingly, it will be possible to reduce any traffic congestion at junctions, particularly if there was a need for an additional signal later on. Thus, it will be easy to detect, manage and report defects in a creative manner, and necessary synchronisation will be made to ensure the highest rates of efficiency and streamlined operation of light signals control systems in realisation of the RTA’s vision of providing safe and smooth transport for all.”
 

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