Abu Dhabi: Motorists will now be able to get alerts about accidents and traffic jams from numerous electronic message boards that are being installed on roads in the capital, the Department of Transport announced on Wednesday.
At least 86 variable electronic message signs (VMS) will also notify motorists of road blocks, construction and weather updates, giving them the opportunity to change their route if necessary.
“I think that when people opt for different routes to get to their destinations they are also helping by not adding to congested areas and becoming a part of the traffic problem. It will help spread people out and will certainly be useful in our city,” said 31 year-old oil field services engineer L.A.
Fifty-six of the VMS will be equipped with traffic monitoring stations to record data from their areas and send the information to a central data centre. This will ensure that the signs are constantly updated The remaining boards will display general messages on road closures, others will state information pertaining to specific lanes where road closures and speed limit changes will be identified.
Closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) accompanying the message boards will provide visibility to road watchers, further assisting them in placing VMS content.
“The electronic signs will allow us to communicate with motorists in real time to ensure they are kept up-to-date with necessary traffic information to plan their route accordingly and be aware of any upcoming traffic issues.” said Faisal Al Suwaidi, director general of main roads in the Department of Transport.
Weather conditions
The DoT will also track weather conditions such as fog and rainfall, to prepare motorists to reduce speed and be extra vigilant while on the road.
Residents welcomed the idea including HR officer Mais Al Kayali who said: “I have seen such technology in European countries and have always thought it would be a great assistive aid to Abu Dhabi road users.”
