Doha: The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has started implementing automatic pedestrian crossing sensor technology at some intersections for enhancing traffic safety of road users and to reduce traffic accidents.
As part of the traffic control plans, Ashghal’s Roads Operation and Maintenance Department has developed a new technology to monitor pedestrian traffic based on the number of people present at some important intersections in Doha.
This new technology is applied on some of the vital intersections including Doha City Center, Nasser Bin Khaled Intersection, Al Jasra Intersection, Wadi Al Sail Intersection, Fire Station Intersection, Al Khaleej Intersection and Al Diwan Intersection. Soon, the application will be implemented across other areas in Qatar.
The cutting-edge technology incorporates 3D stereoscopic vision with infrared illumination of the area to automatically detect pedestrians and recall the green signal to prioritise crossing of pedestrians and cyclists. This technology works round the clock and covers large areas within 4x2 meters to monitor the pedestrian waiting area at the crossings and gives priority to movement of pedestrians and cyclists if necessary.
This advanced system helps detect and monitor pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross the road. The system only works when pedestrians come near the waiting area of the intersection.
Eng. Abdulla Al Khalaf from the Roads Operation and Maintenance Department commented, “Ashghal is working on developing roads implementing unique solutions for safer and efficient road crossings, using international best practices and advanced technologies, in line with the State’s strategy to achieve sustainable development. We are in the process of expanding use of this technology at all intersections with pedestrian crossings, to ensure enhanced traffic safety for pedestrians and vehicles at crossings, besides boosting customer satisfaction.”
