Launched in early June 2025 by the HCM City Road Infrastructure Management Centre under the Department of Construction, the system marks the city's first use of specialised visual warning lights at pedestrian crossings.
HCM City installs first pedestrian crossing warning lights (Photo by Nguoi Lao Dong)
Unlike conventional traffic lights, the new system is embedded in the pavement alongside the crossing, projecting red or green lights along the stripes. It synchronises with pedestrian signals and push buttons, activating a clear three-phase cycle designed to maximise safety.
When a pedestrian presses the button, the roadway lights flash yellow to green for about 30 seconds, allowing vehicles to pass. The pedestrian signal remains red during this time, indicating they must wait.
The light then turns yellow for three seconds and red for about 20 seconds to halt traffic, while the pavement lights switch to green, allowing pedestrians to cross. The cycle ends with the pedestrian light turning off and the road light returning to flashing yellow, signalling vehicles to proceed.
According to the Road Infrastructure Management Centre, the system is designed to improve visibility at pedestrian crossings by helping walkers identify safe crossing zones and allowing drivers to spot them more easily, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.
