Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority has completed linking some 400 traffic signal units to a central control room using third generation (3G) technology.

Old cables used in linking traffic light signals with the traffic control centre in Dubai are understood to have been replaced by wireless technology and isolated signals have been connected using 3G.

The new system is easily managed and eliminates the lag in the timing of traffic signals, according to Metha bin Adai, CEO at RTA Traffic & Roads Agency.

 “The benefits of the new system include remotely controlling of the timing of traffic signals and managing them to cope with the changes in the traffic flow, which translates into less congestions at intersections,” Bin Adai said in a statement.

The system enables diagnosing and managing faults of light signals to ensure optimal functioning of the traffic signals control systems. The system also allows a quicker and cheaper process in terms of adding traffic signals compared to linking new signals using fixed telephone lines.

The project is also in line with the broader strategy to transform Dubai into a smart city.

Dubai has one of the highest cars per capita in the world. The latest available figure puts the number of registered cars in the emirate at 1.4 million in 2014, nearly twice the number reported eight years earlier. The emirate’s current population stands at 2.7 million.