Will traffic flow be smoother?

(NLDO) - Ho Chi Minh City is installing 50 traffic lights at major intersections that allow right turns even when the light is red, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and enhance urban safety.

In an effort to improve urban traffic and reduce congestion at hotspots, Ho Chi Minh City has installed green arrows allowing right turns on red lights at 50 major intersections. This solution is expected to not only optimize traffic flow but also reduce waiting times at red lights for commuters.

According to Decree 168/2024, the authority to regulate and manage traffic lights will be exercised carefully, ensuring absolute safety before implementation.

Mr. Do Ngoc Hai, Head of the Road Infrastructure Management and Exploitation Department, shared information about the installation of green arrows allowing right turns at red lights in Ho Chi Minh City - Photo: NGOC TRINH

A reporter from Nguoi Lao Dong newspaper interviewed Mr. Do Ngoc Hai, Head of the Road Infrastructure Management and Exploitation Department (Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport), regarding the installation of 50 green arrows allowing right turns on red lights at some major intersections in the city.

* Reporter: Sir, what is the purpose of installing the green right-turn arrow when the traffic light is red, and how is it implemented?

- Mr. Do Ngoc Hai: Installing green arrows allowing right turns at red lights is a very practical solution to reduce traffic congestion at major intersections. The goal is to help vehicles move more flexibly, reduce waiting time at red lights, and optimize traffic flow at hotspots.

Currently, we are installing the green arrows in a phased manner. This means we are installing them sequentially at each carefully selected and evaluated intersection to ensure smooth traffic flow and minimize disruption to traffic during the year-end and Lunar New Year holidays.

For the 50 arrows planned for installation, we are still studying each suitable location and may make adjustments if necessary.

Installation work is currently underway at intersections such as Pasteur - Dien Bien Phu (District 3), Dien Bien Phu - Pham Ngoc Thach (District 3), Hai Ba Trung - Dien Bien Phu (District 1)...

From January 1, 2025, according to Decree 168/2024, the authority to directly regulate and control traffic lights at intersections will be decided by the Ho Chi Minh City Police in coordination with the Department of Transport. Only intersections that meet safety requirements will be equipped with green arrows. During implementation, we will continue to monitor, evaluate, and compare before and after the survey to decide whether to expand or reduce the number of intersections at each location, rather than installing them indiscriminately at all intersections.

* So, during the installation process, what measures did the center take to ensure traffic safety?

- All locations selected for installing green arrows must meet strict traffic safety criteria. First, we conduct thorough research and examination of the traffic situation at each intersection, including analyzing traffic flow, traffic behavior, and the safety of vulnerable groups such as pedestrians, the elderly, and children, and assessing the impact on vulnerable traffic participants such as pedestrians, the elderly, and children.

The Department of Transport has established a task force comprising officials from the Department, local authorities, and traffic police. A field survey will be conducted at each intersection, with a written assessment before installation. For central areas with many tourists and pedestrians, we are limiting installation to avoid impacting pedestrians.

The installation process for the green arrows is very quick; it only requires setting up a ladder and connecting them to the existing traffic light system, so it doesn't affect traffic flow.

We also organized training sessions on the use of green arrows in conjunction with appropriate traffic signs to help people understand the rules for turning right at a red light. In addition, we ensured that construction was carried out within reasonable hours to minimize disruption to traffic flow.

* With such solutions in place, what advice does the center have for people when participating in traffic in areas where green arrows have been installed?

- People need to follow the traffic rules that have been instructed, only turning right when the light is red in areas with a green arrow or signs allowing the turn. At the same time, pay attention to pedestrians to ensure the safety of all road users.

We are currently reviewing and evaluating the effectiveness of the first 50 green arrows. Based on the actual results, the center will propose expanding the system to other intersections with high traffic volume while still ensuring traffic safety. The expansion process will focus on careful surveying to ensure that the new locations not only reduce congestion but also maintain maximum safety for vulnerable groups such as pedestrians, the elderly, and children.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/50-mui-ten-xanh-o-tp-hcm-giao-thong-se-thoang-hon-196250112125510602.htm