The flash free cameras, installed by Abu Dhabi Police at a number of intersections across the emirate, have recorded a total of 8,555 traffic violations over a four-month period starting from January 1.

The violations included running red lights, exceeding speed limits, and parking vehicles on pedestrian crossings, stated Captain Ahmed Al Muhairi, the head of Traffic Safety Section at the Traffic Engineering and Safety Department in the Traffic and Patrols Directorate of the Abu Dhabi Police.

Al Muhairi pointed out that thanks to these new camera, the number of accidents at intersections due to running red lights during the same period fell by 10 accidents from 81 to 71 accidents (by 12 per cent), as a result of the efforts exerted through the project aimed at improving traffic safety at intersections.

Running a red light is punishable with a fine of Dh800 ($217), eight black points, and vehicle impoundment for a period of 15 days

More than 50 intersections have been covered through this project by speed cameras at intersections to detect drivers who speed up to jump red lights.

Abu Dhabi Police is now planning to cover around 150 intersections in the emirate, allowing continuous assessment of the intersections’ condition, their impact on traffic safety and the occurrence of accidents.

“Red light cameras at old and new intersections can detect vehicles that run red-lights and fail to abide by the lane rules. They can also record vehicles that stop at pedestrian zones and violate speed limits. Any other violations related to impermissible turns, over-takings and U-turns can also be detected by these cameras,” explained Captain Al Muhairi.

“These cameras monitor more than five lanes in each direction. They are multifunctional and include infrared license plate readers. They can also determine the numbers and types of passing vehicles, estimate the average road speed, and record the numbers and directions of pedestrians while traffic lights turn green and red,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service