Get to Know Dubai's USD160 Million Accident and Traffic Detection System

Should the Philippines also do this if it's as rich as Dubai? Inquirer.net has reported that Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has approved the smart traffic systems expansion project that would cost them around USD160 million.

Matter Al Tayer, RTA's director-general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors showed the new traffic control center plan that use "state-of-the art traffic control systems."

"The system calculates the volume of traffic congestion on main roads and highways, detects abnormal traffic patterns such as accidents and vehicle breakdown on roads, and reveals the congestion generated by high traffic volumes," Tayer explained.

"The project will also cut the time of detecting accidents and congestions build-up and accordingly accelerate the response time," Tayer explained. "It will also provide instant traffic information to the public about roads network via new Variable Messaging Signs and smart apps."

Five Stages

The setup will be divided into five stages. The first and second stages involve the installation of data gathering devices such as mobile cameras that check the traffic flow in construction sites, such as tunnels, roads, and bridges. These cameras will also be equipped with solar power panels and sensors. It will also include vehicle detection devices, Bluetooth devices, weather sensors and 112 sign boards broadcasting traffic condition to drivers.

The third and fourth stages involve putting up fiber optic and electricity lines and integrating their operations systems and traffic centers. The fifth stage involves covering the city with smart systems like "user-friendly devices and mega display monitors."

Admittedly, the cost of such a setup if we do it here in the Philippines is around PHP8.4 billion. Still, if it works--and traffic problems are eliminated once and for all-- then it's probably worth it.