The Roads and Transport Authority, RTA, has said that it is pondering an experimental project for the use of LED lights in lighting streets of Al Barsha South and the project is set to be completed by the end of August this year.

Through introducing the use of LED lights technology in street lights, the RTA is aiming to generate power saving in as much as 380,368 kilowatt hour per annum, and accordingly reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 163.6 tons per annum.

The move is part of RTA's endeavours to save power consumption and boost the profile of the Emirate in driving the green economy and sustainable development in support of projects and the business sector, besides urging community segments to save power and contribute to a clean environment, thus rendering the RTA the first government entity in this regard.

Maitha bin Udai, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency at the RTA, said: "Work is up-and-running in replacing the lights of the existing traffic signals gradually by LED lights enabling the saving of about one million kilowatt per annum, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 430 tons per annum following the full completion of the project. About 20% of the project works under Phase I have been completed and the entire project is set for full completion by 2018.

In collaboration with the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, the RTA is intending to replace street lights in Dubai by power saving units such as LED lights or other technologies that prove efficient. The RTA is considering a project to replace street lights at Al Rashidiya and Nad Shama by LED lights along with the relevant control systems in collaboration with Etihad Energy Services Co. The Traffic and Roads Agency had already contributed to the power-saving efforts through an initiative for the partial switching off of some lights of internal roads within the residential neighbourhood of Dubai after 10 pm.

The RTA is commissioning plans, studies and researches to work out creative and sustainable solutions as it has an impressive record in the fields of sustainability, green economy and power-saving. Last year the Agency rolled out 32 power-saving initiatives, and eight initiatives in support of the green economy as part of its commitment to support government efforts. The move also concurs with the Agency's ambitious strategic plans for optimising the use of the existing resources in implementing projects to expedite the development drive in all sectors. The Agency is also undertaking a host of projects to curb carbon emissions and accordingly protect community members from any health hazards in support of the public safety and environmental sustainability.