Have you ever felt lost and confused by perplexing traffic signs on the road? Have you ever scratched your head trying to decipher strange or unclear traffic signs?
If your answer is YES, then you’re not alone!
Over the past period, we’ve received numerous complaints from readers about the chaotic state of traffic signs on many roads. Signs that seem like riddles, vague, or even incomprehensible not only confuse drivers but also pose potential risks leading to unfortunate accidents.
Therefore, we decided to launch the series “Traffic Sign Maze” – addressing this issue head-on. Together with our readers, we’ll identify problematic signs, analyze flaws in the traffic system, and propose practical solutions to improve the situation.
This series aims to provide additional information for authorities to take action and resolve the chaos surrounding traffic signs, ensuring safety and convenience for all road users.
We invite you to follow along!
“No Beginning, No End”
In Thanh Hoa, regarding the issue of inconsistent traffic signs—specifically areas marked as ending a populated zone without indicating where it begins—many drivers fear being caught in a “trap” on the coastal road. A representative from the Sầm Sơn City People’s Committee explained that this road connects Sầm Sơn City and Quảng Xương District.
The project was managed by the Thanh Hóa Department of Transport and later handed over to the Sầm Sơn City People’s Committee for maintenance. The representative stated that the contractor installed the signs during construction.
“Regarding the report, we will review the situation again. If found inappropriate, we will request the project owner to address the issue. How can there be an end without a beginning?” the representative said.
Mr. Phạm Văn Tuấn, Deputy Director of the Thanh Hóa Department of Transport, acknowledged that previously, at the intersection of National Highway 47 (in Quảng Châu Ward, Sầm Sơn City) and the coastal road, there was a sign indicating the start of a populated area. However, after the project transitioned to a BT (Build-Transfer) model, the sign disappeared and has yet to be reinstalled.
“We will send officers to verify the reported issue. If deemed inappropriate, we will install additional signs marking the start of populated zones,” Mr. Tuấn added.
In Hà Tĩnh, speed limit signs of 60 km/h are inconsistently posted along National Highway 1A, particularly in Cẩm Xuyên and Kỳ Anh districts, causing confusion among drivers.
On the right side of the road, signs indicate a universal 60 km/h speed limit. On the left, another 60 km/h sign includes an additional note specifying the limit applies only to buses and trucks.
After receiving feedback, Office II.3 of Road Management Unit II (under the Vietnam Road Administration) sent teams to inspect and correct the problematic signs.
Specifically, two signs on the right side of the road in Kỳ Thọ Commune, Kỳ Anh District, and Cẩm Minh Commune, Cẩm Xuyên District, were revised with supplementary notes clarifying the 60 km/h limit applies exclusively to trucks and buses.
Survey Conducted Before Installing Signs
In Đà Nẵng, regarding complaints about traffic signs obscured by advertisements on Âu Cơ Street (Liên Chiểu District), Mr. Đặng Đức Nhật, Chairman of Hòa Khánh Bắc Ward People’s Committee (Liên Chiểu District), stated that after receiving the feedback, local forces were mobilized to remove advertisements covering traffic signs.
Local authorities will also intensify efforts to address sidewalk encroachments, including removing ads obstructing traffic signs.
Lawyer Thanh Trà from Đà Nẵng Bar Association commented that traffic signs obscured by advertisements or directly covered by ads not only spoil urban aesthetics but also pose significant safety risks due to impaired visibility.
Acts of placing ads that block traffic signals, stretch across roads, or obscure public directional signs can incur fines ranging from $22-$45 for individuals and $45-$90 for organizations.
Additionally, actions leading to objects obstructing road signs or traffic lights can result in penalties of $1.20-$1.70 for individuals and $2.40-$3.40 for organizations.
Both violations also require corrective measures, including the removal of ads or obstructions blocking road signs.
In Khánh Hòa, concerning inconsistencies in speed limit signage on National Highway 1, Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Bình, Director of Road Management Unit III (under the Vietnam Road Administration, Ministry of Transport), explained that the placement of 50 km/h speed limits during specific timeframes ensures school zone safety.
The Director added that before installing signs, his unit conducted surveys alongside the Khánh Hòa Traffic Safety Board and local traffic police to determine optimal locations for warning signs, slow-down notices, or speed restrictions.
“Based on consensus, Road Management Unit III installed several 50 km/h speed limit signs during specific hours near schools on National Highway 1. Following public feedback about these signs being overly complex and hard to read, we are working with Khánh Hòa Province to adjust them accordingly,” Mr. Bình shared.
Additionally, regarding the abrupt speed reduction from 80-90 km/h to 50 km/h near Vĩnh Lương Commune (Nha Trang City) reported by Dân Trí, the unit acknowledged the issue and took corrective actions.
Road Management Unit III installed two new 70 km/h speed limit signs in both directions, approximately 150 meters away from the previously criticized 50 km/h signs.
Source link: https://dantri.com.vn/xa-hoi/ma-tran-bien-bao-giao-thong-ky-7-dieu-chinh-kieu-chi-dau-danh-do-20250217193452862.htm
