About 150 light-controlled junctions will be fitted with surveillance cameras in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western region within the next five years, said the Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Directorate.

The first phase of the project, which was launched by the directorate at the beginning of 2012, included the installation of cameras at 40 junctions in Abu Dhabi.

The directorate indicated that the cameras use infrared technology without flashing to nab motorists who run red lights, exceed speed limits, misuse traffic lanes, park vehicles on pedestrian crossings, and catch speeders who illegally overtake other vehicles at intersections, in addition to capturing vehicles that turn illegally or make a U-turn from the wrong lane.

“It is an integrated project encompassing the necessary components to improve traffic safety, or the 5Es of traffic safety integration,” said Brigadier Hussein Ahmed Al Harithi, director.

“The traffic control cameras at intersections are high quality thermal infrared cameras covering more than five lanes in each direction. They are multifunctional, and include infrared license plate readers, they are used to determine the numbers and types of crossing vehicles, estimating the average speed, and determining the number and directions of pedestrians during the green and red lights,” said Al Harithi.

Al Harithi also warned motorists against running traffic lights when using mobile phones. He highlighted that lack of attention results in critical mistakes and significant material and human losses.

The directorate is also promoting traffic control and installing modern automated control systems for internal and external roads in Abu Dhabi.

It seeks to intensify traffic awareness through the traffic programme called ‘Together.’ This programme is ongoing on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube and disseminates traffic culture through media and lectures and enhances communication with all segments of society. It also urges all road users to observe traffic laws and regulations. - TradeArabia News Service