'Talking Burj Khalifa' tells defaulters to move

An electronic device in the shape of the Burj Khalifa will be installed at parking slots for the disabled in Dubai to instruct people to leave when the space is used by regular motorists.

The three-metre tall structure attracted the attention of many at Gitex Technology Week, where it was presented to the public for the first time. And it was not even talking yet.

“When a regular motorist parks at a parking slot reserved for the disabled, the device will instruct the driver to leave,” comments Azzuddin Ali Nagi from Dubai Police.

A flash light siren and alarm will further the message that the parking space is not dedicated for the parker.

If the person leaves the spot, no violation will be issued, but if the messages are ignored a Dh1,000 fine and 4 black points will immediately be handed out.

There is no specific time frame given to the motorist to leave, as it will depend on the situation, explains Azzuddin.

“The person might park there to pick a disabled person, and require a couple of minutes to assist that person to the car.

“A camera fitted in the device will recognise this as a valid action and not issue a fine.”

During the past four years 36,858 parking violations in disabled zones were recorded by Dubai Police. Dubai Police first announced the launch of the parking alarm in July this year, and said it would introduce the devices by the year-end.

The ‘speaking Burj Khalifa’ will first be installed at malls, where misuse of parking for the disabled is most prominent, said Azzuddin.

“People want to park near the mall entrance, so they are keen on parking in the slots reserved for disabled people. The devices will be installed here first, but eventually all areas in Dubai will be covered.”

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.