DUBAI: Dubai Police have announced the start of deploying drones to monitor traffic on roads.

“They will detect congestion during peak times, patrol and make follow-up to ensure that traffic jam reduces,” said the Deputy Director of the General Operations for Communications, Brigadier Dr Khaled Al Marri. He did not mention the number of drones deployed.

“They [drones] are capable of flying and detecting large areas of the emirate, which contributes to providing maximum security, stability and smooth traffic on Dubai roads,” he stated.

Brigadier Al Marri said that in the event of any traffic jam or accidents, the drones can transfer traffic reports directly to the command and control room.

“There will be fast flow of information to alert the public about traffic incidents such as overspeeding – through radio and or social media.

“Actually, the drones are capable of helping in rescue and a lot more of activities such as during disaster.”

Two months ago, Dubai hosted an Unmanned Aerial System Forum (UASF) meet at the Palazzo Versace Hotel in Jaddaf that attracted heavy participation of drone manufacturers, operators and users.

During the event, speakers highlighted the efficiency of drones asserting that they could reach “where humans would take longer to reach.”

DEFUSING BOMBS

On the stand of Dubai Police was a “new project, but not a new device, which is used in defusing bombs.”

“We assembled it ourselves and launched it a few months ago,” said Hamad Rashid Al Falsi from the Bomb Explosive Unit.

Next is a five-armed camera drone that can be sent to check on a given situation in thick motor traffic and relay feedback. “You can call it an Eagle Eye,” said Al Falasi. The Eagle Eyes were deployed on Tuesday.

At its stand, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) issued brochures alerting drone users to be aware that they were “legally responsible for the safe conduct of each flight” and advised them to “take to time to understand the rules” as “failure to comply could lead to fines.”

Other rules include obtaining permission from the DCAA before using remotely piloted aircraft systems, and avoiding misusing images obtained by drones among others.