UAE: RTA and Dubai Police step up traffic safety and flow in the emirate
Source: Middle East Insurance Review | Sep 2019
The heads of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police recently held a coordinative meeting to discuss boosting joint efforts to improve the security and safety of roads and public transit means in Dubai.
The meeting, which was a follow-up of the Executive Plan of the 5-Year Traffic Safety Strategy 2017-2021, reviewed preparations for Dubai hosting the Expo 2020 for the first time in the MENA region and South Asia. Discussions focused on the secured movement of both exhibitors and visitors at the venue and traffic solutions developed by RTA to ensure safe and smooth mobility for all.
RTA’s plan is highlighted by Route 2020 project for the extension of the metro red line, a wide network of roads leading to the site of Expo, improved mass transit routes and systems, and the deployment of taxis along with their associated parking spaces to ensure streamlined movement.
The two parties discussed several projects including the ‘Oyoon’ project developed with several partners for the use of smart security systems. It uses AI for preventing crimes, reducing traffic fatalities, monitoring negative practices in residential, commercial and vital spots, and taking immediate response to accidents before reports are filed, in addition to being able to anticipate incidents before their occurrence.
Projects also include a school security programme aimed at upgrading school security and safety systems. In addition, both parties discussed improved traffic safety at school zones and intensified awareness campaigns in the lead-up to the new academic year 2019-2020.
Discussions also included boosting traffic safety on internal roads and highways, and calling for taking stricter measures on reckless drivers and enforcing the law against trucks parked on road shoulders or under bridges by towing them away for the safety of road users.
The meeting discussed enhancing driving training programmes by adding training on the use of Dubai Police smart app in documenting and generating traffic reports of minor accidents that do not require police interference and clearance of vehicles. The step will ensure the smooth flow of traffic and fend off potential secondary accidents that might be triggered by sudden traffic congestion. M