New devices in Dubai to fine motorists Dh500 for failing to give way to pedestrians

The devices are equipped with sensors to detect the movement of pedestrians on both sides of the road

A new smart system in Dubai will detect motorists who fail to give way to pedestrians. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Police

A new smart system has been installed at zebra crossings in Dubai that will detect motorists who fail to give way to pedestrians.

The new gadget uses a red light indicator that warns drivers to stop and give priority to pedestrians.

Vehicles who fail to give way to those crossing the road, will be fined Dh500 and six black points will be slapped on their driving licence.

These devices are equipped with sensors to detect the movement of pedestrians on both sides of the road, said Brigadier Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, director general of the Dubai Police traffic department.

The solar-powered device is linked to the police traffic control system and is equipped with sensors to detect the movement of pedestrians on both sides of the road, he said in a statement.

Pedestrians who flout traffic signals and cross the road at undesignated zones will be fined Dh400 for jaywalking.

Despite efforts to improve road safety, there were 49 pedestrian deaths in 2016, up from 33 in 2015, according to Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai.

Dubai registered one pedestrian fatality per 100,000 of the population in 2016, up from 0.6 per 100,000 the year before.

Last year, 48,000 people in Abu Dhabi were fined for ignoring traffic signals and using undesignated areas to cross roads.

Recently, the UAE has cracked down on motorists, who do not obey traffic laws.

Cameras that can detect tailgating were activated across Abu Dhabi's roads in January.

Drivers who did not leave a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them are sent a text message warning them that they would be fined the next time they tailgate.

If caught again by the smart system, motorists are given a Dh400 fine and earn four black points on their licence.

This penalty can go up to Dh1,000 for motorists who do not give way to emergency vehicles, ambulance and police convoys.