Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed the final phase of its replacement of light signal control units, effectively connecting light signals with the traffic control centre as part of the city's Smart City initiative.

For the first time on a global scale, about 400 traffic control units have been successfully connected using 3G technology, according to a statement.

Isolated signals have been connected via wireless systems, and cable-connected signals have been switched to a wireless network.

Engineer Metha bin Adai, CEO of RTA’s Traffic & Roads Agency, said: “The project is part of the Government’s initiative to transform Dubai into a smart city.

“Cables used in linking light signals with the traffic control centre in Dubai have been replaced by wireless technology and isolated signals have been connected using the 3G technology.”

Bin Adai added that the new technology will eliminate the lag in the timing of traffic signals, and is considered cost-efficient compared to what was implemented previously, which required an intensive infrastructure in terms of cables and telephone lines to run the service nearby each signal.

“This system has the potential of enhancing the profile of Dubai as it is implemented for the first time across the world, under RTA’s vision of providing Safe & Smooth Transport for All,” she said.