Relieve traffic congestion

Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and many other cities have been implementing many solutions to make traffic activities as efficient as possible before and after Tet At Ty.

According to the reporter of Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper and feedback from people, especially drivers, from the beginning of 2025 until now, the traffic volume in Ho Chi Minh City has increased, the traffic jam situation has become serious.

"Never seen...!"

Wiping sweat from his hands even though the weather was not too hot, Nguyen Huu Long (35 years old, Binh Thanh district) said he had just passed through traffic jams at 3 traffic lights and this waiting has been a haunting experience for over a week now.

Mr. Long said that it was only about 7 km from his house to the company, but it took him an hour to complete that difficult journey. "Although according to the rule of the year-end, many vehicles move at the same time, I have never seen such a long and heavy traffic jam as now" - the male driver felt.

Dien Bien Phu Street, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City on the morning of January 13. Photo: HOANG TRIEU

Traffic jams not only occur in the central area but also appear frequently in the suburbs. At the intersection of Le Van Viet - Dinh Phong Phu (Thu Duc City), during rush hour, the line of cars stretches for kilometers, inching forward.

According to Ms. Thu Giang (Thu Duc City), the risk of facing a heavy fine makes many people hesitant to drive, leading to one vehicle pushing another and getting stuck. Ms. Giang said that there was a time when she had to wait until the fifth green light to get through the intersection.

Install more lights, fix infrastructure problems

To improve traffic conditions in the city, on the morning of January 13, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Bui Xuan Cuong chaired a meeting with leaders of the Department of Transport, the City Police and the City Traffic Safety Committee on traffic conditions and Tet holiday services in key areas.

Information from the meeting said that the application of new regulations with high penalties has significantly improved the awareness of traffic participants. However, there are some practical issues that need to be solved.

Colonel Nguyen Dinh Duong, Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Police, said that one of the reasons for recent traffic jams is that drivers, especially car drivers, stop even when the green light is still on for 5 seconds because they are afraid of being fined. This leads to a lot of road space being occupied, causing the cars behind to back up and create congestion.

To solve the problem, the City Police have deployed many measures such as remote traffic control, deploying forces at hot spots and handling situations quickly through the camera system.

Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, afternoon of January 13. Photo: NGOC QUY

Mr. Bui Hoa An, Deputy Director of the Department of Transport, informed that traffic volume in Ho Chi Minh City in the first days of 2025 increased compared to the end of 2024. The central area of ​​Ho Chi Minh City recorded an increase in traffic volume of 11.4%, while the number of traffic jams increased by 17%.

High traffic density and narrow roads have led to vehicles stopping at intersections for too long, causing congestion to spread to neighboring areas.

To reduce traffic congestion in the short term, the Department of Transport coordinated with functional forces to install 131 sets of traffic lights allowing two-wheeled vehicles to turn right on main roads such as Vo Thi Sau, Dien Bien Phu, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai...

It is expected that the remaining eligible intersections will complete installation before January 19. In addition, the Department of Transport will continue to adjust the signal duration, prioritizing increasing green lights in areas with high traffic volume.

Ho Chi Minh City is also implementing long-term solutions, including continuing to review and adjust traffic flow at gateways, festival areas and key routes.

Traffic infrastructure shortcomings will be promptly repaired to ensure safety and smooth traffic. At the same time, traffic control forces will also be strengthened in areas such as train stations, bus stations, airports and city gateways.

Application of science and technology

In Hanoi, explaining the reason for the prolonged traffic jams, the Traffic Police Department of Hanoi City Police said that on weekends nearing Tet, people's travel needs increased. To reduce traffic jams and create favorable conditions for people to travel and shop for Tet, the unit has arranged 100% of officers and soldiers to direct traffic on the roads.

From December 15, 2024, the unit will implement a peak plan to ensure traffic order and safety before, during and after Tet.

On January 13, a representative of the Traffic Police Department (Ministry of Public Security) said that the national traffic police force is inspecting and reviewing the entire traffic light system. From there, they will have a basis to recommend replacing and repairing damaged and faulty light clusters.

According to the Traffic Police Department, during operation, the police will also adjust the light cycle to suit the situation of each area. The goal is to ensure smooth traffic for people, and to handle violations accurately and appropriately so that violators are "convinced".

Traffic police forces were mobilized to the maximum, focusing on traffic flow and regulation to prevent congestion. In addition, traffic police also increased patrols, strictly controlled and handled violations that caused congestion and traffic accidents, ensuring people could travel smoothly and enjoy the New Year safely.

Mr. Tran Huu Bao, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Transport, said that the department will continue to coordinate with the City Police to handle related recommendations and proposals. In particular, focusing on handling traffic congestion points in 2025, traffic accident black spots and potential traffic accident points.

In addition, according to Mr. Bao, the Department of Transport will apply science and technology in the research and survey of traffic situations on some routes and intersections at risk of traffic congestion to serve as a basis for consulting, proposing and providing appropriate traffic infrastructure investment solutions. Along with that, continue to coordinate in reviewing intersections that need to be renovated, repaired, and adjusted infrastructure to organize traffic appropriately.

"Currently, the department is managing more than 800 traffic lights, it is inevitable that 1 or 2 will have problems. We have coordinated with VOV Traffic, if there is a problem, it will be handled immediately, and traffic participants will be notified" - Mr. Bao clearly stated.

The Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Transport also said that the department will review traffic intersections. If the infrastructure meets the conditions, lights will be installed for right turns.

Close coordination

At the meeting, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Bui Xuan Cuong stated that the city's traffic was complicated during the peak of the Lunar New Year. He requested units to immediately deploy solutions to reduce congestion in the city center and major hubs such as airports and bus stations. When congestion occurs, forces need to have a quick and timely solution.

The Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee requested units to step up propaganda of the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety, inspect, patrol and strictly handle violations.

Ho Chi Minh City has installed 131 sets of traffic lights allowing two-wheeled vehicles to turn right. Photo: NGOC QUY

Another content, from January 1, 2025, the right to control the traffic light system has been transferred to the Ho Chi Minh City Police, while the Department of Transport is responsible for the maintenance, management and operation of the traffic light system. However, the coordination process between functional agencies in the initial stage still encountered some shortcomings, affecting the effectiveness of traffic management.

Regarding this issue, Mr. Bui Xuan Cuong emphasized the close coordination between units for flexible adjustment. "HCMC has a very high traffic density, but the principle is to strictly comply with regulations, in order to create favorable conditions for people to travel" - Mr. Cuong added.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/giai-toa-ngot-ngat-giao-thong-196250113215003725.htm