Traffic fines could double if smart cameras fully used
If the smart camera systems of Dubai Police were implemented, the number of traffic violations recorded in the emirate could double according to a report carried on Tuesday by Emarat Al Youm.
The assertion comes in reaction to complaints by motorists that the AI-powered cameras don’t have “the spirit of the law” and punish drivers — without consideration of circumstances.
Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations Affairs at Dubai Police, told the paper that these advanced systems are not being used to their full potential. The initiative is mainly about deterrence and road safety, rather than simply handing out fines, he insisted.
Motorists Complain
Filters within the automated system, which many drivers claim is treats them inflexibly. One motorist claimed he was fined Dh800 and issued four black points for briefly touching his mobile phone when it was in a holder. Another got a ticket for not using an indicator on a quiet road late at night.
A third driver described getting two speeding fines within just a minute on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, even though they were exceeded the speed limit only slightly. These incidents have reinforced a feeling that the technology is too rigid compared to a human officer who might show forbearance.
Police Perspective
The main goal of the traffic system is to save lives and not to increase revenue, Maj-Gen Al Mazrouei emphasised. He explained that they are deliberately not employing the systems to their full extent as a show of leniency.
A driver already using their mobile over a long distance for example is often captured on several cameras but only receives one fine as a deterrent, he explains. He added that a system developed to detect the car’s average speed between two radar points — available in many countries — has so far been tested and was not implemented in Dubai because of the potential confusion for motorists.
They have also been successful with aggressive driving, like cutting someone off at an intersection, he added, protecting compliant motorists.
A Balanced System
Dubai Police have made the application process for disputing fines even easier with a smart app and website that guarantees a transparent review. Maj-Gen Al Mazrouei said the aim is to ensure safety and shouldn't make drivers feel targeted throughout.
He decided that the Dubai model merges technology with human oversight and deterrence with education, all in the service of road safety.
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