Dubai taxis to have surveillance cameras to monitor drivers
The devices will be used to detect fatigue levels of cabbies and their behaviour
All taxi drivers in Dubai are now under the constant gaze of surveillance cameras, keeping track of their behaviour as well as detecting their fatigue levels as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced installation of cameras across all taxis this year.
The RTA has already equipped around 6,500 taxis with surveillance cameras, keeping an eye on drivers and aims to cover all of Dubai’s 10,221 taxis by year-end.
“Surveillance cameras have been installed in about 6,500 taxis out of a total fleet comprising 10,221 cabs. The project will cover the remaining taxis this year,” said Adel Shakri, Director of Transportation Systems, at RTA’s Public Transport Agency.
He added that the system aims to ensure the compliance of taxi drivers with the rules and principles of professional and moral conducts.
“This will motivate them to observe better standards of behaviour and attitudes towards passengers.
“The footage of these cameras can be retrieved in case of any violations reported during the taxi trips,” added Shakri.
Gulf News first reported the installation of cameras in taxis as a pilot project in 2016. Since then, after a successful trial phase, the project has been implemented to cover all taxis in Dubai.
However, the surveillance system will only cover the drivers, keeping in mind the privacy of passengers.