On January 6, the National Assembly Standing Committee gave its opinion on the National Assembly's report on people's petition work in December 2024.
Giving suggestions for discussion, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Quang Phuong suggested that the Ministry of Public Security should coordinate with all levels and sectors to inspect the technical system of green and red light signals to "prevent people from being wronged".
Chairman of the Economic Committee Vu Hong Thanh also had a similar opinion when he commented that the traffic light signal system did not operate properly in some places, meaning there were still technical problems.
Illustrating the above statement, on January 2, a clip was circulated on social media recording a long stop on Highway 51 because the red light was malfunctioning and did not turn green for a long time.
All the drivers waited patiently, because everyone was afraid that "running a red light" could result in a heavy fine of 20 - 22 million VND according to the new penalty framework.
In reality, incidents like the one on Highway 51 are not uncommon. Many intersections in large cities or on national highways still have dim lights, or too little difference in waiting time between green and red lights, making it difficult for drivers to judge.
In some provinces, traffic lights do not operate according to the designed cycle, road markings are unclear, causing inconvenience and risks to road users.
For that reason, the request of Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Quang Phuong that the Ministry of Public Security coordinate with all levels and sectors to inspect the technical conditions of traffic lights at this time is very urgent.
Only by doing a good job of checking and ensuring that the green and red lights operate properly can people feel secure in complying. No one wants to “run a red light” and end up breaking the law, but no one wants to be unjustly fined or “get their ass kicked” when complaining about a traffic light signal that is operating incorrectly.
Not only traffic lights, many places also have confusing signs and blurred road markings, causing confusion for vehicles participating in traffic. There are many cases at an intersection, there are three different speed signs. If not careful, drivers can easily get caught in a "fine trap".
The essence of increasing traffic violation fines is to reduce accidents and increase safety for everyone. However, if the infrastructure is not good, people are at risk of being unjustly fined or being dragged into unnecessary suspicion and controversy.
Therefore, when enforcing the law, the authorities also need to simultaneously conduct a nationwide review to regularly maintain and upgrade the road system, traffic signals, signs, surveillance camera technology, etc. to "synchronize" with the new penalty level.
Only then can we successfully implement the new regulations in a complete manner, ensuring fairness, transparency and truly bringing benefits to society.
