Remove traffic signs that confuse road users.

In Hanoi, many traffic signs are obscured by trees and other obstacles. This not only makes it difficult for road users but also poses a risk of unintentionally violating traffic laws.

"Matrix" of traffic signs

According to observations by reporters from Giao Thong Newspaper on the To Huu - Le Van Luong road, dozens of traffic signs are obscured by trees. For example, drivers approaching the To Huu - Vu Trong Khanh intersection have signs indicating directions, but they have to travel to the intersection itself to see them.

Many traffic signs on various roads in Hanoi are obscured by trees and other obstacles. Photo: Ta Hai.

Notably, along this road, the situation of advertising billboards interspersed with traffic signs is quite common.

Similarly, the "no stopping and parking" sign at the intersection of Au Co and Lac Long Quan streets is located next to an outdoor advertising billboard, creating a visual clutter. The "slow down, observe carefully" sign on Au Co street is mixed in with a "forest" of advertising signs, making it very difficult for drivers to see.

At the gateways to central Hanoi, such as Quang Trung Street (Ha Dong District), Ho Tung Mau Street, Le Duc Tho Street (Nam Tu Liem District), Pham Hung Street (Cau Giay District), etc., traffic signs appear quite illogical. A typical example is the type of sign with excessively large text and very small font size. To understand the directions, drivers have no choice but to stop their vehicles, wasting a considerable amount of time reading them.

Pedestrians are at a loss.

On Pham Hung Street, at the right turn towards Xuan Thuy Street, the sign indicating time restrictions, vehicle weight limits, and vehicle dimensions, excluding certain priority vehicles, is written in small font with a high density of letters, making it difficult for road users to read.

"Even someone knowledgeable about traffic laws would have to think and calculate for a while after reading this sign to determine which time slot their vehicle falls under, what type of vehicle it is, how many seats it has, and its weight capacity, in order to remember and apply the regulations. Therefore, for vehicles approaching and then speeding past, drivers will be completely helpless," expressed Mr. Nguyen Long (Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi).

On Tran Thai Tong Street, authorities have installed a dense network of "no parking" signs and reminder signs. However, next to the "no parking" sign at the intersection with Cau Giay Street, there is a parking sign belonging to DMD General Consulting Joint Stock Company, which operates a parking lot management service.

Overall review for adjustments.

Speaking with Giao Thong Newspaper, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy, a traffic expert, stated that traffic signs are one of the important road signaling structures, helping road users comply with rules and contributing to ensuring traffic order and safety.

The road signs on Pham Hung Street have too much text and the font size is very small. Photo: Ta Hai.

According to Ms. Thuy, currently in Hanoi and many other localities, there is a chaotic situation regarding traffic signs; advertising signs are the same color and size as traffic signs; many advertising signs are interspersed with traffic signs, affecting visibility and detracting from urban aesthetics…

"I believe it's necessary to review all the signage systems on the main roads. Recently, there have been instances of people arbitrarily erecting prohibition signs, such as 'No Parking,' when in reality, this isn't the case; and there are signs whose origin is unclear, whether they were set up by the authorities or by the public."

"We need to compile a detailed list of signs that require adjustments to their content, image size, and spacing between letters and numbers. In cases where road markings are incomplete or unclear, they also need to be promptly maintained," Ms. Thuy said.

Regarding this issue, Mr. Tran Huu Bao, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Transport, said that there is a chaotic situation with traffic signs in Hanoi. Currently, the Department of Transport is requesting districts, wards, and road management units to review each route and make adjustments accordingly.

"We regularly receive feedback about traffic signs in the area through our rapid response teams so that we can address them promptly. This is a regular task of the Department of Transport. When we receive information, replacement signs are installed within about half an hour," Mr. Bao said.

The Ministry of Transport has recently sent a document to the Ministry of Public Security , the People's Committees of provinces and cities, and the Vietnam Road Administration requesting a review and resolution of existing shortcomings and inadequacies in road traffic organization.

Specifically, the Ministry of Transport requested the Ministry of Public Security to direct the Traffic Police Department and the police forces of provinces and cities to coordinate with the Vietnam Road Administration and the Departments of Transport to review and address shortcomings in the system of traffic signs and signals, licensing, and the arrangement of parking and vehicle storage areas on the road network.

The People's Committees of provinces and cities assigned to manage the local road system shall coordinate with functional forces to conduct a comprehensive review and on-site inspection, identify, recommend, propose solutions, or immediately address (within their authority) any shortcomings. The review results shall be sent to the Ministry of Transport (via the Vietnam Road Administration) before March 10, 2025.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/ha-noi-dep-bien-bao-giao-thong-danh-do-nguoi-di-duong-192250227222759188.htm