New radars to catch jaywalkers in Abu Dhabi

Traffic authorities have also warned pedestrians against using smartphones on the streets.- Alamy Image

New smart radars that can detect jaywalkers and drivers who don't stop at pedestrian crossings will be installed on Abu Dhabi roads soon.
Major-General Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, director of the Central Operations Sector at the Abu Dhabi Police, said the new smart radar system called 'Hather' (Be Careful) would be operational this year. It aims to limit violations and reduce the number of run-over accidents in the emirate.
"The smart system 'Hather' - which is equipped with two cameras, one for vehicles coming towards the zebra lanes and the other for detecting pedestrians - aims to control jaywalkers via display monitors in both directions," Al Dhaheri said.
"One of the cameras is installed to monitor the number plates of vehicles and the other is for the visual recognition of people. The system also features a central processing unit that can monitor the pedestrian crossing and its surroundings."
He said there was a need to strengthen the monitoring system on the roads to prevent people from jaywalking.
Figures released last year by the Abu Dhabi traffic and patrols directorate showed that in 2017, 50,695 people were caught crossing roads at undesignated spots or were not using the pedestrian lanes.
"Pedestrians should use the designated crossing points properly, follow the signals at crossings, and be vigilant," said Al Dhaheri.
"The Abu Dhabi Police are implementing the 2016-2020 plan to ensure the safety of pedestrians, in coordination with the Department of Transport, Municipalities and Planning Department, Health Authority and Knowledge Department."
Traffic authorities have also warned pedestrians against using smartphones on the streets. Typing messages and mobile browsing when crossing the roads are "very dangerous" and may even lead to fatal run-over accidents, police said.
They also reminded drivers to give way to pedestrians, especially when they are in school zones.
As part of initiatives to turn the Capital into a pedestrian-friendly emirate, the Abu Dhabi Municipality recently announced that they are planning to build 12 new pedestrian bridges worth Dh60 million, covering the areas of Mussafah, Al Mafraq, Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Road, Sultan Bin Zayed Road, Bin Al Jisreen area, Mussafah and Bani Yas.
Fines for law violators
1-For drivers
>Not giving way to pedestrians: Dh500 and six black points
>Stopping on crossings and obstructing pedestrian movement: Dh400 fine and three black points
2-For pedestrians
>Jaywalking (crossing roads at undesignated spots): Dh400
ismail@khaleejtimes.com