Traffic will be more "open"?

(NLDO) - Ho Chi Minh City is installing 50 signals allowing right turns on red lights at major intersections, 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 deployed green arrows allowing right turns at red lights at 50 major intersections. This is a solution that is expected to not only optimize traffic flow but also reduce waiting time at red lights for traffic participants.

According to Decree 168/2024, the right to regulate and manage traffic lights will be carefully implemented, ensuring absolute safety before application.

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

Reporter of Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper talked with Mr. Do Ngoc Hai, Head of Road Traffic Infrastructure Management Department (Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport), about the installation of 50 green arrows allowing right turns when the light is red at some major intersections in the city.

* Reporter: Sir, what is the purpose of installing green arrows for right turns at red lights and how is it done?

- 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 hot spots.

Currently, we are implementing the installation of green arrows in a rolling manner. That is, we will do it in turn at each intersection that has been carefully selected and evaluated, to ensure smooth traffic and limit the impact on traffic during the end of the year and Lunar New Year.

For the 50 arrows planned for installation, we are still researching suitable locations and may make adjustments if necessary.

Currently, installation work has been carried out 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 right 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 conditions will be installed with green arrows. During the implementation process, we will continue to monitor, evaluate, and compare before and after the survey to decide to expand or reduce at each location, rather than installing them en masse at all intersections.

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

- All locations selected for installation of green arrows must meet strict traffic safety criteria. First, we specifically research and examine the traffic situation at each intersection, including analyzing traffic volume, traffic participant behavior and safety for 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 working group consisting of officials from the Department, local authorities and traffic police. The actual survey process will have a record of assessment at each intersection before installation. For central areas, where there are many tourists and pedestrians, we limit installation to avoid affecting pedestrians.

The installation process of green arrows is very quick, just need to set up a ladder and connect to the existing traffic light system so it does not affect traffic.

We also organize training on the use of green arrows combined with appropriate traffic signs to help people understand the rules of turning right on red lights. In addition, we ensure that construction works are carried out within reasonable hours to limit the impact on traffic flow.

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

- People need to comply with the instructed traffic rules, only turn right when the light is red in areas with green arrows or signs allowing turns. At the same time, pay attention to pedestrians to ensure safety for all traffic participants.

We are currently reviewing and evaluating the effectiveness of the first 50 green arrows. Based on the results, the center will propose additional expansions at other intersections with high traffic volumes but 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