Dubai's new traffic signal plan to ease morning traffic in school areas

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will adjust the timings of traffic signals in school zones in Dubai to align it with the traffic management requirements and signals in nearby areas.

This is part of the additional technical measures being rolled out by RTA to beat traffic congestion in school zones, for the new academic year 2017-18.

"RTA's awareness and technical teams are ready to resume educational programmes and activities in schools, and monitor the traffic at light signals. They will adjust the timings of traffic signals to align it with the traffic management requirements in school zones, as well as traffic signals in nearby areas," said Maitha bin Adai, CEO of RTA's Traffic and Roads Agency.

In an earlier statement, RTA noted that the school transport sector in Dubai faces multiple challenges, including its geographical distribution.

Deira and Bur Dubai have the highest concentration of schools, resulting in high pressure on the roads in these areas.

"Coordination was made with schools and kindergartens to organise awareness activities as part of students' traffic safety strategy, which includes workshops and lectures for students, school bus drivers and parents. The RTA is committed to reducing traffic accidents, fatalities and casualties in keeping with its vision of 'safe and smooth transport for all'," bin Adai noted.

"These are intended to keep children safe on the road, maintain our six-year-old record of zero-fatalities in school zones, improve traffic behaviour and instil a culture of safety in youngsters and community members," she added.

Bin Adai also called on bus drivers and parents to observe traffic rules when driving their children, avoid parking in non-designated places, and never let children cross streets on their own or get off from the left door of the vehicle. She also advised parents to keep rear doors locked and for drivers to fasten safety belts.

"In the last five years, we have targeted 251 sites within school zones, where we have introduced several road safety measures for users, based on the recommendations of those studies. The engineering procedures implemented in school zones included the installation of more than 849 directional signs, 160 Speed Calming Devices, and 36 pedestrian crossings," concluded bin Adai.

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