The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is expanding the number of smart pedestrian signals to cover 15 new locations after a successful trial debut on Al Saadah Street.
The smart pedestrian signal technology uses 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 on the pedestrian crossing (while crossing) and automatically readjusts the remaining time based on the inputs.
Thus, it allows safe crossing without impacting the movement of vehicles. The project is part of RTA’s efforts to realize the objectives of Dubai’s Smart City initiative.
Maitha bin Adai, CEO of RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency said: “Smart pedestrian signals have been installed in several hotspots of Dubai including Al Muraqqabat, Al Rigga, Al Mankhoul, Baniyas, 2nd of December Street, Al Maktoum and Sheikh Khalifa Streets. They have also been introduced at Al Barsha and City Walk districts. The system is bound to raise the safety of pedestrians who need a time longer than the average crossing time such as seniors, people of determination, and people with luggage or strollers. It will also improve the vehicular flow as a result of eliminating the pedestrian mode in case no pedestrians are detected on the pavement, which offers additional time to motorists.”
