Saudi Gazette Report

JEDDAH — The Roads General Authority announced the introduction of a smart system for surveillance of falling rocks on the road along the mountain pass in Hada in Taif on an experimental basis. This is part of the authority’s efforts to support modern technologies in the road sector, as well as to raise the level of safety on the road, and preserve the safety of the pilgrims.

The authority stated that six cameras, enhanced with artificial intelligence, have been installed at Hada road to monitor the first moments of rock fall from the mountainous areas surrounding the road. The cameras will send direct signals to close the road, so that the entry gate to the mountain pass can be closed within 60 seconds after monitoring any movement of rocks. The system can be linked with the relevant authorities to inform them as soon as falling rocks are detected.

The smart system was introduced as part of taking advantage of the latest technologies and equipment that contribute to achieving its strategy in the road sector, which focuses on safety, quality and traffic density. The authority aims to raise the road quality index in Saudi Arabia to the sixth level globally, as well as to reduce the number of deaths to less than five cases per 100,000 people by 2030.