Skip to main content

Abu Dhabi installs Scoot

The Department of Transport (DoT) in Abu Dhabi has commenced work on a US$9 million adaptive traffic control central system project, which is expected to be completed by early 2015. The project will see the implementation of a new Scoot (Split Cycle Offset Optimisation Technique) adaptive traffic control system to improve traffic flow at the capital’s 125 main signalised junctions. Scoot, installed in more than 120 cities worldwide, is a tool for managing and controlling traffic signals in urban areas.
March 5, 2014 Read time: 2 mins
The Department of Transport (DoT) in Abu Dhabi has commenced work on a US$9 million adaptive traffic control central system project, which is expected to be completed by early 2015.

The project will see the implementation of a new Scoot (Split Cycle Offset Optimisation Technique) adaptive traffic control system to improve traffic flow at the capital’s 125 main signalised junctions.  Scoot, installed in more than 120 cities worldwide, is a tool for managing and controlling traffic signals in urban areas. It is an adaptive system that responds automatically to fluctuations in traffic flow through the use of in-road detectors.

Traffic signals in Abu Dhabi currently operate on fixed time, which is not ideal for easily managing traffic congestion or other unexpected events. Scoot is able to respond quickly to variations in traffic flows by reducing delays and queue lengths at junctions, using about 20 sensors at each intersection to monitor and report the volume of traffic. The system is also able to give priority to buses or emergency vehicles, which will enhance road safety and quick response to accidents and vehicle breakdowns.

“It is simply to have the most adaptive technology to manage the traffic network in the proper way,” said Salah Al Marzouqi, director of the integrated intelligent transport systems

The centre manages monitoring of the traffic flows on the road network, operation of the central traffic control system, and offers road service support patrols to prevent any congestion.

Related Content

  • Syracuse models post-industrial revival for US cities
    August 13, 2015
    A connective corridor in Syracuse, New York State, could be a model for other post-industrial cities, as David Crawford discovers. The aim of the city of Syracuse’ 5.6km-long Connective Corridor in Onandaga County in upstate New York is to create a model ‘complete street’ for use in wider regeneration schemes. Key transport-sector components are traffic calming, high-quality transit with accessible passenger information, plus walkability and bike-friendliness.
  • ITS World Congress 2025: home runs and deep dives on Tech Tours
    July 16, 2025
    There's plenty to see beyond the conference and exhibition at #ITSAtlanta2025
  • TransCore wins Virginia ATM contract
    April 23, 2013
    The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has selected TransCore to design and build its I-66 ATM (Active Traffic Management) system on northern Virginia’s main highway into the District of Columbia - one of Virginia’s most congested interstates.
  • GPS-based virtual detection zones improve bus travel times
    July 5, 2013
    San Antonio, Texas’ new Via Primo will be kept on schedule with minimal impact on individual traffic flow with the implementation of a GPS-based bus rapid transit system that allows the bus to automatically request a green light when it is behind schedule and approaching a busy intersection.