On the morning of July 3, Ho Chi Minh City Chairman Phan Van Mai, along with a group of National Assembly deputies, met with voters from District 4, District 7, and Nha Be District.

During the meeting, voter Kieu Thi Hiep from District 4 expressed concerns about the potential removal of countdown timers. She noted that while the change could improve traffic habits and behaviors, it also presents several issues. For instance, the sudden activation of the red light could cause abrupt braking, leading to accidents.

Additionally, without countdown timers, drivers may struggle to gauge whether they have enough time to pass or stop, potentially resulting in traffic violations and increased congestion.

"Authorities need to thoroughly study this issue to address the drawbacks and challenges that arise," Hiep emphasized.

In response, Vo Khanh Hung, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport, stated that the department is piloting the removal of countdown timers at four major intersections: Nguyen Dinh Chieu – Truong Dinh, Nguyen Dinh Chieu – Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, Nguyen Dinh Chieu – Cach Mang Thang 8, and Mai Chi Tho – To Huu.

Hung explained that countdown timers help drivers anticipate and respond appropriately to traffic signals, aiming to create safer and more convenient conditions for road users. However, the timers also have drawbacks, such as drivers accelerating to beat the green light or starting early during the red light phase, sometimes prompted by honking from other drivers.

"These few seconds of rushing can lead to traffic collisions. Therefore, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport is piloting the removal of countdown timers at these intersections," Hung said.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport is closely monitoring the pilot program to develop appropriate solutions. Initially, the department plans to remove the countdown timer for the red light phase. According to Hung, this adjustment aims to prevent early starts when transitioning from red to green.

However, the countdown timer for the green-to-red phase will remain. Despite the potential danger of drivers speeding up to beat the yellow light, removing the timer for this phase could be even more dangerous, as it would require drivers to stop abruptly when the light changes from green to red.

Ho Van