Dubai introduces new 'quiet radars' to detect traffic infractions in residential neighborhoods

Dubai Police will install 'silents radars' in residential areas, named so because they do not have flashing lights like traditional radars.

A top official stated that these are designed to identify various violations besides speeding, with the goal of promoting safe driving habits such as wearing seatbelts and avoiding mobile phone use.

Certain inhabitants in their neighborhoods choose to either use cell phones or neglect to fasten their seat belts when driving for a brief trip to the grocery store. Nonetheless, the regulations for traffic are still enforced when driving in residential areas. Not wearing a seatbelt can result in a Dh400 fine and 4 black points, whereas using a hand-held phone while driving can lead to a Dh800 fine and 4 black points.

The timing for the installation of the silent radars was not immediately clear.
The officials mentioned that behavioral fines undergo thorough verification before being issued.
Salma Mohammed Rashed Almarri, who leads the Traffic Awareness section, stated that Dubai Police always review video evidence to validate fines, particularly for behavioral infractions like using phones or not wearing seat belts.

Beyond simply driving fast

Hassan Ali Taleb Alhamer from the Traffic Technology Department described the various types of radars in Dubai. "Numerous individuals believe they solely identify speeding, but in reality, they also capture illegal U-turns and other breaches of traffic regulations."

The Dubai Police officer stated that the roads in the Emirates have various "advanced traffic control technologies". They identify instances of using mobile phones while driving and not wearing seat belts, among other violations.
The radars on Dubai roads can monitor six main lanes and two side lanes on a highway. They have the ability to read license plates and determine if they are covered or concealed in any manner.

These advanced gadgets have the ability to identify speeding and other infractions even when a car is partially hidden by another.

Officer Salma emphasized the need for drivers in Dubai to come to a full stop at pedestrian crossings. They must wait until the pedestrian has finished crossing. Not complying will result in a Dh500 penalty.

Central command center

The roads in Dubai are not just under surveillance by advanced radars, but also by large screens in the Dubai Police Command Control Centre. Major Mohammed Shahriyar Alblooshi, the assistant director of the Command Control Centre, stated that the Dubai Police Command Centre can use cameras to monitor traffic conditions, respond to any incidents causing congestion, assist drivers in need, dispatch police patrols, and evaluate situations directly from the center.

Captain Majid Al Qassim, in charge of specialized operations, stated: "We observe all the roads from this room," while the screen displayed two RTA buses blocking the road, and on the command center screen, the police patrol was observed arriving at the scene, directing other drivers to switch lanes and assisting the bus passengers in transferring to another bus. He mentioned that there are various resources like ambulances and patrols positioned across Dubai, prepared to be sent out in case of an emergency.

In addition, the Dubai Police Awareness Department has been consistently informing drivers about the significance of keeping a safe distance between vehicles, with penalties reaching up to Dh400 for not following this rule.
The aim of these sophisticated systems, as emphasized by the authorities, is not solely to impose penalties, but rather to ensure the safety of all road users.

The police admitted that numerous drivers know the whereabouts of these radars and adjust their speed accordingly. Nevertheless, the main focus of the authority is to ensure a steady and secure driving pace, as opposed to apprehending speeding drivers.

Stay alert! Dubai's new 'quiet radars' are watching for traffic infractions in residential neighborhoods. Stay updated with Just Dubai to get updated news.