Dubai is set to enhance its parking management with a significant expansion of its smart screening system. Currently, about 34 percent of the city’s paid public parking slots are covered by the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) smart screening technology, which employs nine smart vehicles for monitoring. By the end of 2023, this fleet will double to 18 vehicles, encompassing approximately 140,000 slots, or 70 percent of all paid parking spaces in Dubai. These smart screening vehicles have the capability to monitor and read license plates from vehicles parked in any direction, irrespective of the type of parking space.

The RTA’s broader goal is to increase the coverage of intelligent traffic systems (ITS) across Dubai’s road networks from 60 percent to a comprehensive 100 percent by 2026. This commitment aligns with the city’s dedication to enhancing traffic management and ensuring smoother commutes for its residents.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, recently visited the ITS Centre in Al Barsha, one of the world’s most advanced traffic control centers. Equipped with advanced traffic monitoring and data-gathering tools, this center plays a pivotal role in maintaining the efficiency of Dubai’s intelligent traffic management systems as the city continues to expand its road network. Since its opening in November 2020, the center has already led to a 20 percent reduction in travel time, a remarkable 63 percent improvement in incident monitoring, and a 30 percent faster response time, contributing to smoother traffic flow and safer roads.