Out-of-sync traffic signals lead to congestion on Al Wasl Road in Dubai

Dubai: Motorists say they are facing daily traffic jams because some traffic signals are not synchronised. Congestion has been reported at the intersection of Safa Park on Al Wasl Road, Al Qusais and numerous other roads.

Major General Al Zafein, Director of Dubai Police’s Traffic Department, said he had made several visits to monitor traffic and noticed cars had to wait a long time at some signals. He said the intersection of Safa Park on Al Wasl Road was the worst affected and there was a similar problem on Jumeirah Road.

An engineer from the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) Traffic Signals Control Room was sent out to the Safa area to meet with drivers who complained about congestion, he said, adding there was a similar problem on Jumeirah Road, Al Qusais and in other areas.

“We are waiting for the RTA to solve the problem, which becomes worse during peak hours,” a motorist said.

Motorists in front of the Union Cooperative at Safa Park have to wait a long time at the intersection near Al Athar Road and in less than a minute are forced to wait again at another red light at the Safa Park intersection. The signals at the Safa Park intersection force vehicles wanting to make a left turn towards Nad Al Sheba to wait a long time compared with other directions, which causes traffic jams.

Accidents

Major General Al Zafein said the delay could cause accidents.

“Many accidents happen, especially near Al Safa Park, because some drivers are trying to avoid traffic congestion. There is a need to modify the timing of traffic signals to ensure a smooth flow of traffic at the [Al Safa] intersection,” he said.

“We have to wait at traffic signals for a long time watching motorists at other traffic signals at the intersection moving,” said one motorist who faces this problem daily near Al Qusais area close to Al Mulla Plaza.

Another motorist said that he faced the same problem in various areas in the city.

“The difference in timing of the traffic signals is the main reason for traffic jams on the road,” another motorist said.

Gulf News contacted Hussain Al Banna, Director of Traffic at the RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, who said issues related to traffic signals are handled by the Intelligence Traffic System (ITS) at the RTA.

No one from the ITS was available to comment.