Dubai’s new traffic signals reduce waiting time for pedestrians

RTA move to encourage more people to walk around the city, while also improving road safety.

New pedestrian lights are being tested on Al Saada Street in Dubai to reduce waiting times at crossings. Courtesy RTA

DUBAI // Safer routes for pedestrians are being introduced in Dubai to encourage more people to walk and to help reduce accidents.

The Roads and Transport Authority has completed testing of new pedestrian lights on Al Saada Street in Dubai International Financial Centre to reduce waiting times at crossings.

Signals at key routes can spot the movement of pedestrians on the pavement before crossing the street, or on the crossing path and will automatically modify the timing of the signal’s light accordingly.

Metha bin Adai, chief executive of the RTA’s Traffic & Roads Agency, said the new pedestrian signals would encourage safe crossing for pedestrians in line with the RTA’s Safe and Smooth Transport for All programme.

“The operational system of the signal is designed to eliminate the time allocated to pedestrians if it senses no pedestrians waiting on the pavement, thus provides more time for vehicles to pass,” he said.

“The traffic signal uses a sensor-based smart unit through an optical ground system that works in perfect harmony with the signal lights.”

The RTA is planning to broaden the scope of the trial by installing more signals at similar locations around Dubai.