Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has commenced the second phase of the ‘Smart Pedestrian Signals’ project expansion in the emirate. The project will incorporate 10 new sites, which will increase the total number of locations for the smart pedestrian signals to 28 by 2024.
The launch of the new phase follows the successful outcomes of the first phase, which involved the installation of smart pedestrian signals at various key locations throughout Dubai. The project’s expansion reaffirms RTA’s commitment to making use of cutting-edge smart technologies and the Internet of Things to ensure seamless traffic management as well as enhance the safety of both pedestrians and motorists.
Mr. Mohammed Al Ali, Director of the Intelligent Traffic Management Department, Traffic and Roads Agency, RTA, commented that “the smart pedestrian signal technology is operated by a system reliant on sensors connected to a ground optical system synchronised with the signal’s light operation. It perceives the pedestrian movement on the pavement (before crossing the street) and at the pedestrian crossing. This significantly enhances pedestrian safety while also boosting the efficiency of traffic light operations and ensuring better management of signal timing.”
“The system proved effective in improving pedestrian safety in cases involving those who require more time to cross, like elderly residents, people of determination, and individuals with luggage or pushchairs. Results showed that no pedestrian accidents occurred since the introduction of smart pedestrian signals, which confirms the effectiveness of the project in raising traffic safety at intersections. It also improved the vehicle flow by eliminating the pedestrian mode in case no pedestrians were detected, thus offering more time to motorists,” the Director added.
RTA’s new move will further contribute to Dubai’s ambitious vision of becoming a leading smart city and a global trailblazer in intelligent traffic systems.
The selection of sites for installing the signals is guided by criteria set with strategic partners, focused on the proximity of pedestrian crossings to each other, the rate of pedestrian incidents at the signal, the street classification (speed limit, number of lanes in each direction), locations and distances to footbridges, and the road design.