Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has clarified the confusion over the bar codes recently placed on traffic light signals in Dubai, and addressed rumours circulating on social networking sites.
Social media users claimed that the barcodes could detect jaywalkers, and warned pedestrians to look out for the stickers.
In a recent tweet, the RTA stated that the barcodes on traffic light signals are not hi-tech devices that can fine jaywalkers but are simply part of the authority’s method in tracking its assets.
RTA would like to clarify to the Public that the stickers on the poles of the pedestrian crossings traffic lights are part of RTA’s asset management system that tracks all its assets in contrary to what’s being rumored that it is related to issuing fines at pedestrian crossings. pic.twitter.com/NqglQKCarm
— RTA (@RTA_Dubai) January 11, 2018
However, the issue of jaywalking should not be taken lightly as Dubai Police are keeping a close watch on pedestrians.
Jaywalking fines
According to the newly revised traffic law, jaywalking can lead to a Dh400 fine.
In the first nine months of 2017, Dubai Police recorded the deaths of 27 jaywalkers and the injuries of 239 – a 48 per cent decline as compared to 40 deaths and 246 injuries in 2016.
The smart pedestrian crossings in Dubai can be clearly distinguished with its red neon lights across the zebra crossing.
The sensor-enabled pedestrian traffic light has been on trial since January 2017, and is expected to reduce run-over accidents in the city.
Currently, most of Dubai’s traffic lights are pre-timed for pedestrians and vehicles, although in many cases it does allocate more green or red time, depending on traffic flow.
Inquiries, complaints and suggestions can be made to the RTA’s call centre at 800 90 90.
