People fear heavy fines, traffic in Ho Chi Minh City changes positively

After one week of applying Decree 168/2024, acts of running red lights, going the wrong way, driving on sidewalks... have decreased sharply on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City.

People are more aware when participating in traffic

According to the reporter of Giao thong Newspaper at Dien Bien Phu - Cao Thang intersection (District 3, Ho Chi Minh City), although during rush hour, there was a lot of traffic, no one drove on the sidewalk. People stopped and waited for the red light seriously, only moving when the light turned green. The position where people stopped was also in accordance with regulations, all vehicles were behind the line.

People stop and wait seriously, at the designated line. Photo: My Quynh

This is a completely different image from before, when the situation of crossing the line, running red lights or climbing onto the sidewalk was common, especially on Dien Bien Phu street.

Similarly, Cach Mang Thang Tam Street (from Dien Bien Phu to Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 3) is often overloaded during rush hour, with many people walking on the sidewalks, but now it has also changed positively. Although there are still a few people driving on the sidewalks, compared to before, this is a "miracle".

There are no vehicles on the sidewalk at the intersection of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Cach Mang Thang Tam. Photo: My Quynh

Mr. Quang Hung, a motorbike taxi driver who often waits for customers at the intersection of Cach Mang Thang Tam and Nguyen Dinh Chieu, said that in the past, hundreds of motorbikes ran on the sidewalk every day. The sidewalk was degraded, bumpy, and the bricks were broken... Many times, Mr. Hung parked his motorbike on the sidewalk waiting for customers and was scolded for blocking their way.

"I see that people are complying seriously. Traffic is more orderly, not chaotic like before. Of course, everything has its pros and cons, for example, motorbikes are not allowed to turn right at red lights, leading to traffic jams during rush hour. The pros are that people travel safely, with fewer collisions," said Mr. Hung.

Will allow right turns on red at some intersections

On the morning of January 8, reporters surveyed many intersections on several other routes in District 1, Binh Thanh District, Thu Duc City... regarding compliance with traffic laws. The results showed that people basically complied well.

Some people still climb the sidewalk to walk.

Some people still use their phones, listen to music, ride on the sidewalk..., however, this number is very small. Many shippers (delivery people) used to use their phones on the road, but now they limit it.

Most opinions support heavy fines to serve as a deterrent, thereby making people obey traffic laws better. Some propose that at intersections with heavy traffic and frequent traffic jams, signs should be installed for motorbikes to turn right. Only then will the congestion situation be less serious.

In addition, the waiting time for red lights at many intersections is too long (for example, My Thuy intersection is about 130 seconds, green light is 20 seconds), leading to vehicles not having time to move, congesting, and causing traffic jams.

The waiting time for red lights is too long and green lights are too short, making it difficult for people to move.

Speaking with Giao thong Newspaper reporters, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Vinh, Director of the Road Traffic Management Center (HCMC Department of Transport) said that the unit has noted the shortcomings and concerns of people when traveling recently.

Regarding the issue of people not daring to turn right when the light is red, leading to congestion and traffic jams, the center is reviewing all intersections, crossroads... for traffic conditions and traffic organization. For intersections that are relatively stable in terms of traffic safety, the unit will propose to the HCM City Department of Transport to allow the installation of additional signs allowing right turns when the light is red. It is expected that this week, the unit will submit to the HCM City Department of Transport and quickly install additional signs.

Similarly, the Center will also review the reflection of the red light signal being too long while the green light is too short. However, adjusting the light beam in special areas related to traffic safety requires consultation from many related units. The unit will promptly collect opinions and make appropriate adjustments.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/so-phat-nang-giao-thong-tphcm-chuyen-bien-tich-cuc-192250108094027915.htm