Phase two of RTA's Smart Pedestrian Signal system launched

The second phase of the Smart Pedestrian Signals project has been implemented by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

The expansion will see a further ten sites, to increase the total number of locations to 28 by next year.

The system uses sensors to detect pedestrians waiting on the pavement and tracks them as they cross, enhancing safety and traffic flow through better management of signal timing.

The launch of phase two follows the successful outcomes of the first phase, which involved the installation of smart pedestrian signals at various key locations throughout Dubai. 

Mohammed Al Ali, Director of Intelligent Traffic Management Department, Traffic and Roads Agency, RTA said, “the system proved effective in improving pedestrian safety in cases involving those who require more time to cross, like elderly residents, people of determination, and individuals with luggage or pushchairs.

"Results showed that no pedestrian accidents occurred since the introduction of smart pedestrian signals, which confirms the effectiveness of the project in raising traffic safety at intersections. It also improved the vehicle flow by eliminating the pedestrian mode in case no pedestrians detected  thus offering  more time to motorists."

The selection of sites for installing smart pedestrian signals is guided by criteria set in coordination with strategic partners, highlighted by the proximity of pedestrian crossings to each other, the rate of pedestrian incidents at the signal, the street classification (speed limit, number of lanes in each direction), locations & distance to footbridges, and the road design.

.@rta_dubai starts the second phase of the Smart Pedestrian Signals project expansion in the emirate, incorporating 10 new sites, which will increase the total number of locations of the Smart Pedestrian Signal locations to 28 by 2024.https://t.co/zI8V9tNy2d pic.twitter.com/fozDEQ0avW

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 10, 2023