Smart traffic system proposed for HCM City streets

The project aims to reduce traffic jams, improve transport safety and reduce emissions, according to the company. 

During a recent meeting with Tran Vinh Tuyen, Vice Chairman of the city’s People’s Committee, Shawn Smith, President of US company Vigilant Solutions Inc, suggested that the city use a smart traffic control system with a network of 12,000 fixed and mobile cameras installed around the city.

The funds would also be used to identify vehicle registration number plates to prevent traffic and toll collection violations.

Costs for manpower, technology and a control centre would also be covered under the loan.

The system would link to a national system for number plate registration and collection of fines imposed on traffic violators, Smith said. 

San Francisco, which uses the system, has recorded an average of 5,600 cases of traffic violations each day, helping the city collect US$2.8 million in fines. 

Tuyen said the system, which is in line with HCM City’s goal of becoming a smart city, should first be installed in inner city districts and later in outlying districts. 

The city leader asked the company to clarify incentives and sources of capital for the project. 

Tuyen suggested that the US company work with city departments and submit a detailed proposal to the municipal government by next month. 

The city’s Department of Information and Communications was asked to cooperate with other agencies to support the investor in implementation, internet security, contractor selection and financial incentives. 

The Department of Transport had previously suggested a smart traffic control model as an effective solution to control traffic congestion, accidents, pollution and urban order.

The department is focusing this year and in 2017 on upgrading the traffic control system to secure smooth connections with the new network in the future.