As many as 3,167 traffic violations were recorded by special flash-less cameras installed at Abu Dhabi intersections in January 2014.
As per statistics issued by the Traffic and Patrols Directorate at Abu Dhabi Police, the violations included jumping traffic lights and unsafe lane changes.
Colonel Khalifa Mohammed Al Khaili, Director of the Traffic and Road Safety Engineering Department, said: “The traffic violations were recorded by cameras that use infrared technology and capture images without a flash. These traffic cameras, which are installed at different intersections across Abu Dhabi, operate with state-of-the-art technology and high efficiency.
“Our cameras can detect vehicles that run red-lights and fail to abide by the lane rules. They can also record vehicles that stop at pedestrian zones and violate speed limits. Any other violations related to impermissible turns, over-taking and U-turns can also be registered.”
These high-quality infrared cameras monitor five lanes in each direction. They are multifunctional and include infrared license plate readers.
They can also determine the numbers and types of passing vehicles, estimate the average road speed and record the numbers and directions of pedestrians while traffic lights turn green and red.
These cameras are part of an integrated project that aims to improve traffic safety. As part of the project, 150 intersections in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region will be fitted with these cameras. It is a modern traffic system, allowing continuous assessment of the intersections’ engineering condition, their impact on traffic safety and the occurrence of accidents. Additionally, the system is able to devise necessary solutions by cooperating with the partners. The system is also linked to the directorate’s reports system, SMS, and the Portable Variable Message Signs (PVMS).
Al Khaili called upon motorists to follow traffic laws and regulations. “Abide by the lane rules, reduce speed at traffic lights and avoid speeding in order to cross a traffic light before it turns red, which can cause serious traffic accidents resulting in deaths and severe injuries.”
According to the Federal Traffic Law, running a red light is punishable with a fine of Dh800, eight black points and impoundment of vehicle for 15 days. The failure to abide by the lane rules carries a fine of Dh200 and a penalty of two black points.
