The above information was stated by Mr. Nguyen Thanh Loi - Deputy Head of the Traffic Safety Committee of Ho Chi Minh City at a meeting on traffic situation and service work for Lunar New Year 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City on January 13.
According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Loi, since Decree 168 took effect, people's awareness of traffic safety has been significantly improved. Previously, right turns at red lights or lane encroachment often occurred during rush hour, but now these behaviors have decreased significantly.
However, according to the leader of the Ho Chi Minh City Traffic Safety Committee, recent traffic congestion in some areas is becoming more tense.
In addition to the increased traffic volume at the end of the year, part of the reason is the fear of being fined, causing many drivers to drive slower than average or stop early at intersections even though the green light is still valid.
In addition, some intersections are designed for vehicles to turn right or go straight continuously, but many people still stop and wait, leading to congestion of vehicles behind.
Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Police Nguyen Dinh Duong also said that due to being too afraid of being fined, there is a phenomenon of drivers, especially cars, stopping when the green light is still about 5 seconds. This causes the road surface to be occupied, causing traffic congestion behind, especially at major intersections.
To reduce traffic congestion, the Department of Transport coordinates with the Traffic Police to flexibly adjust the traffic light system, suitable for each time frame of the day.
Currently, about 131 intersections in the area have been equipped with green arrow traffic lights, allowing motorbikes to turn right even when the light is red, creating favorable conditions for people to move. This solution will continue to be deployed at eligible intersections after relevant units complete and agree on the criteria.
Authorities are also increasing remote traffic flow and traffic regulation at hotspots, combining the use of surveillance cameras to promptly handle traffic incidents.
Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport Bui Hoa An said that the number of vehicles from the beginning of 2025 has increased by 2.8 - 11.4% compared to the end of 2024, concentrated in central areas, Tan Son Nhat airport and city gateways.
The central area alone recorded an 11.4% increase in traffic volume, while the number of traffic jams increased by 17%.
Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Bui Xuan Cuong has requested to speed up the installation of traffic light systems to complete the infrastructure, meet people's travel needs and minimize traffic congestion during the 2025 Lunar New Year.
