Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has started replacing traffic lights in Dubai with halogen bulbs using LED power-saving technology.

It comes as part of the RTA’s safety and environmental push to enhance the traffic safety level and keep abreast of the green economy drive, an official said. The project will be carried out in phases and phase one is now under way.

The bulbs will also save the RTA around Dh900,000 a year in expenditure, said Maitha Bin Udai, CEO of the RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency.

She said the LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting system lasts longer — about ten years — while using the least power. The low-maintenance bulbs are also more reliable and efficient than conventional lighting.

“Replacing the traffic lights is part of a plan set by the RTA for the second half of this year to upgrade traffic systems, which would accordingly improve the traffic safety on the heavily congested roads and streets in the Emirate of Dubai, and develop solutions for main intersections that witness recurrent traffic accidents,” Maitha said.

“Following the testing of the efficiency of the state-of-the-art LED lighting system, it was evident that it has the ability to provide lighting for longer periods with the least maintenance requirements, besides minimising power consumption to the barest minimum.”

She added that the bulbs “optimise consumption by as much as 55 per cent, besides contributing to conserving the environment through reducing carbon dioxide emissions.”

The technology has an auto-dimming feature according to the degree of external lighting. These lights can be clearly visible during daytime without being impacted by the sun’s reflections on the lenses.

“This will ultimately contribute to realising the vision of the RTA of providing Safe and Safe Smooth Transport for All.”