Abu Dhabi: A new system of smart traffic signals is set to control congestion at intersections between thoroughfares and main streets, the Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport (DMAT) announced on Sunday.
The system will help control the number of vehicles that can access a thoroughfare or highway at a given point in time using traffic signals, along with a series of vehicle-counting sensors and cameras.
The signal itself can turn either red or yellow. A red light asks motorists to stop and not drive on to the highway. A blinking yellow light, on the other hand, asks drivers to approach the highway cautiously while ensuring that there are no incoming vehicles.
For starters, the system will be set up along the accessways to Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (previously Al Salam Street), one of the capital’s busiest thoroughfares. Specifically, a signal has already been set up at the intersection of the road with Shaikha Salama Bin Butti Street.
When there are many vehicles on Shaikh Zayed Street, the signal will turn red to prevent more motorists from accessing the highway and adding to the congestion. The signal will turn yellow when there are fewer cars on the highway, thus allowing motorists on connected main streets to get on to Shaikh Zayed Street.
The DMAT also urged drivers to follow the new rules of the signal system, which aims to minimise congestion in line with changing traffic scenarios.
