In a bid to reduce energy consumption, street lights in Dubai will be partially switched off in residential areas with low traffic movements, officials announced.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has begun implementation of the power saving policy, which aims to inform the public of the importance of reducing carbon emissions.
Maitha bin Udai, chief executive of RTA Traffic and Roads Agency, said 44 per cent of street lights will be switched off in residential communities after 10pm. However, she added, this will vary from one area to another due to several factors such as number of lighting poles.
The plan, she said, has been studied to ensure safety with street lights remaining switched on at road intersections.
The initiative comes as part of the UAE’s aim to become a green community and achieve environmental sustainability.
nbakhsh@thenational.ae