• Home
• /
• Transport

Speed sensors for Dubai taxis planned by 2015

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is currently looking into having “Aman” speed sensors in its fleet of 9,292, taxis including 450 Hala taxis by early next year.

The plan came about after a significant reduction of over-speeding fines following the introduction of Aman in some units in 2013. The monthly average of fines fell from 650 to 200.

Aman is a speed sensor device connected to the engine of the taxi units, which puts brakes on speeding taxis, in effect curbing the rate of reckless drivers. It grants 60 seconds to the driver to reduce the speed to the allowable limit. Taxis will sent alerts if they cross the 20kmph grace limit. In case the driver does not reduce the speed, the system will give an alert sound.

A special GPS system will also focus on Dubai’s internal roads to ensure the taxis adhere to speed limits based on its location.

Dr Yousif Al Ali, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency, said the Aman initiative has been successful since its initial launch last year. He said the agency is targeting to install a speed limit sensor in every taxi across its fleet to ensure that every internal road limit is adhered to with the aid of GPS coordinates of each taxi unit.

No date has been set yet for the roll out, but PTA assured that it would be implemented early next year.—lily@khaleejtimes.com