tech
What is happening in Belgrade? Thousands of drivers are driving over crosswalks at red lights, here's why
More and more drivers in Belgrade are driving over pedestrian crosswalks at hundreds of signalized intersections when stopping at a red light. Many wonder why they are doing this, most drivers already understand what it's about, while pedestrians are often confused because they increasingly see the 'noses' of cars halfway across the crossing.
TL;DR
- Drivers in Belgrade are stopping on pedestrian crosswalks at red lights.
- This is caused by new "smart" traffic systems that use sensors to detect vehicles.
- Drivers must stop precisely over embedded sensors (inductive loops) for the system to register their presence.
- If a vehicle is too far from the stop line, the system may not detect it, assuming no traffic is present.
- Drivers are advancing onto crosswalks to ensure detection and trigger a green light, especially on less busy streets.
- The adaptive systems aim to adjust green light durations based on real-time traffic flow and give priority to trams.
- Malfunctioning or poorly calibrated sensors and drivers' unfamiliarity with the system contribute to this issue.
- The situation is expected to persist until drivers adjust or the traffic systems are properly calibrated.