A new range of solar-powered portable variable message signs will be launched in the Middle East by Irish roadside equipment specialist PWS Traffic Systems, at Gulf Traffic 2002, the region's road transport conference and exhibition, to be held in Dubai this October.
The move comes on the heels of Dubai Police Traffic Department's recent decision to introduce solar-powered radar cameras to monitor speeding vehicles, as international roadside equipment specialists are lining up for a slice of the region's solar-energy sector.
“The Gulf's guaranteed sunshine throughout the year makes solar-powered roadside equipment a highly efficient, cost effective and eco-friendly solution to the region's road and traffic sector,” said John McAteer, PWS Traffic Systems director.
The solar-powered mobile unit, which uses the energy of the sun and light emitting diode (LED) technology to generate messages, can also be fitted with radar speed detection, traffic counters and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) modems.
The new system allows signs to be stationed in areas where electricity is not available, as it stores solar energy by day and it releases it by night or in cloudy conditions. Other PWS solar-powered products are already deployed in various locations across the region, including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
PWS Traffic Systems, with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) representatives in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman, is among 60 companies to have contracted for Gulf Traffic so far.
“The event has, to date, attracted exhibitors from the UK, Europe, the Far East and Middle East, Canada and the USA and is heading for a sell out as we expect a total of 100 companies to participate,” said Jessica Sutherland, general manager at IIR Exhibitions & Conference, the event's organiers.
Backed by seven UAE municipalities, 11 GCC ministries and industry bodies spanning three continents, Gulf Traffic 2002 will be held at Dubai's Crowne Plaza Hotel from October 26-29. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
