Drones to watch Abu Dhabi roads to make sure rules are not broken

Al Gernas was revealed by the Department of Transport during Gitex

A screen grab from a YouTube video posted by the Department of Transport shows an unmanned aerial vehicle patrolling the capital's streets. Department of Transport

Be careful the next time you nudge over the speed limit while driving in Abu Dhabi, there could be a drone watching you.

The Department of Transport revealed Al Gernas, an intelligence transport system, at Gitex this week.

Al Gernas - translated from Arabic as an adult falcon - employs unmanned aerial vehicles that monitor the city’s streets.

Drones will film and feed back information to a central traffic management system and mobile ground stations which will patrol the capital’s streets.

The UAVs will monitor live traffic flow and report car accidents. They will also be deployed by Mawaqif attendants who will use them to scan car licence plates in large lots to ensure motorists have paid their parking fees – a feature that will be particularly convenient during the summer months.

School buses and public buses will also be monitored to ensure drivers comply with traffic rules and for the safety of school children.

The Department of Transport did not disclose when the programme would be implemented.