Hanoi Transport Department is considering adding more CCTV cameras to reduce traffic congestion.

CCTV cameras fitted in Ring Road No.2 in Hanoi. Photo: The Hanoi Times

According to the department, the CCTV cameras installed on Ring Road No. 2 and the Chua Boc-Thai Ha flyover have improved traffic flow.

The CCTV surveillance warns drivers of possible traffic jams at the Nga Tu So intersection, which is often congested. Based on the information, drivers can choose alternative routes.

The information about the intersection, consisting of visuals and letters, is displayed every six seconds, depending on the status of the intersection during the day.

From January 13 to June 1, 2023, the CCTV cameras timely updated the traffic situation at the Nga Tu So intersection, allowing drivers to detour when the area is congested.

A survey of 105 drivers conducted by the department shows that 38.1% are willing to change their route when warned of potential traffic jams.

The cameras detect and warn vehicles that exceed the clearance height of the overpass. 

Prior to the installation of CCTV cameras, trucks and buses that exceeded the height limit often took the overpass and got trapped in the clearance bars.

The smart CCTV captures the vehicle's license plate number and measures its height. If the height exceeds the height allowance, the plate number is displayed on the screen to warn the vehicle not to enter the overpass.

Between December 1, 2022, and June 1, 2023, when the cameras were fully operational, fewer overheight vehicles were caught in the overpass's clearance bar. During that time, more than 13.4 million vehicles passed through the overpass, and more than 125,000 vehicles detoured when they received a congestion warning.

However, experts said the surveillance range should be increased because the current range of 15 meters between the overpass and the vehicle makes it difficult for drivers to change lanes.