If you are flashed by a speed camera in the capital even though you are driving under the limit, do not panic.
Radars across the capital have been equipped with automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology, which means you could be flashed even if you are following the rules, police said.
“The newly introduced feature is designed for reading vehicle number plates, monitoring traffic flow and number of vehicles,” said Abu Dhabi Police in a tweet.
“The flash light produced by ANPR cameras is not for catching speed offenders.”
Abu Dhabi Police has not given any more information on the data the cameras will collect, but according to Omnitec Group, a Dubai technology company that specialises in parking, automation and security, ANPR technology is often used to check whether cars are registered.
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Abu Dhabi Police urged drivers to regularly check if they have traffic fines via the Abu Dhabi Police smart app or through its website before lodging a complaint about being flashed.
Drivers in Abu Dhabi have recently complained that they have been receiving text messages notifying them of speeding violations weeks after they were caught on camera.
One motorist said it took five weeks for one text message to come through from Abu Dhabi Police. Another said they were told of the offence after two weeks.
The force has previously said it was keen to provide more detailed information including when and where the offence took place, to allow drivers a clearer idea of why they were being penalised.
A buffer zone that allowed motorists to travel 20kph faster than the posted speed without incurring fines was removed in Abu Dhabi last month. The change was made after studies were conducted on causes of traffic accidents, engineering standards and traffic density, according to the government.
