200 intersections in Ho Chi Minh City allow right turns on red lights

TPO - Ho Chi Minh City authorities have installed 500 auxiliary traffic lights to allow two-wheeled vehicles to turn right when the light is red at 200 intersections.

The Road Traffic Infrastructure Management Center (HCMC Department of Transport) said that on January 19, it had installed 500 auxiliary traffic lights at 200 intersections. These auxiliary traffic lights allow motorbikes to turn right when the light is red.

A review by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport found that 524 intersections need to install auxiliary lights. The installation is divided into 2 phases. In the first phase, 500 traffic lights will be installed at 200 intersections.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport, there are several main reasons for the increase in congestion on central Ho Chi Minh City roads during the last days of the year. Specifically, the city center often organizes festivals and events, so traffic must be restricted on some roads. Along with that, at the end of the year, vehicles transporting goods for Tet and the need to travel to the city center for shopping and entertainment increase.

200 intersections in Ho Chi Minh City allow right turns on red light photo 1

Ho Chi Minh City authorities have installed 500 auxiliary traffic lights to allow two-wheeled vehicles to turn right when the light is red at 200 intersections. Photo: Huu Huy

In addition, the road traffic infrastructure of the central area of Ho Chi Minh City is in the form of a block, many intersections are regulated by traffic lights, the length of the road is short. For example, on Ly Tu Trong, Le Thanh Ton, Pasteur, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia... the roadway in many places is not wide enough, leading to prolonged traffic congestion.

According to Mr. Do Ngoc Hai - Head of Road Infrastructure Management and Exploitation Department (HCMC Department of Transport), to reduce the flow of vehicles waiting at intersections with traffic lights, the Department of Transport has assigned relevant units to review and propose the installation of auxiliary traffic lights to allow two-wheeled vehicles to turn right when the light is red at necessary intersections (areas where long waiting lines arise, have little impact on pedestrians, and must ensure traffic safety).

Mr. Hai said: “The installation of auxiliary lights must be carefully evaluated and studied because it must ensure traffic safety and have little impact on pedestrians crossing the road. Once a location is agreed upon, it will be installed immediately on the basis of installation, monitoring and evaluation at the same time.”

According to Mr. Hai, currently, the number of vehicles in Ho Chi Minh City increases by more than 7% each year, and the infrastructure system is not enough to meet the demand. Therefore, in the long term, Ho Chi Minh City needs to invest in upgrading infrastructure, while developing public transport combined with limiting personal vehicles.

“Regarding the immediate solution, the authorities continue to monitor each intersection to make timely adjustments and have a plan to coordinate and handle situations through rapid response teams with the City Police and localities,” Mr. Do Ngoc Hai added.