The Vinnitsa city administration is implementing a major update to its traffic management system. The goal of this innovation is to ensure maximum safety for road users during the nationwide minute of silence, held daily in honor of the fallen defenders and civilians of Ukraine.

According to the Department of Transport and Urban Mobility of the Vinnitsa City Council, the city already has traditions for honoring the victims of the war. Every morning at 9:00, public transport stops, and private car drivers also pause. However, the sudden stop of traffic at intersections created risks of accidents and emergency braking.

How the new algorithm works

To solve this problem, a special traffic light mode is being introduced in the city. The system's logic is based on a smooth transition:

  • Preparation for stopping: A few minutes before the start of the minute of silence, traffic lights begin to switch to the red signal in stages. This gives drivers time to slow down in advance and stop smoothly, eliminating sudden maneuvers.
  • Moment of silence: At 9:00, traffic at regulated intersections comes to a complete stop.
  • Resumption of traffic: After the minute of remembrance ends, the traffic lights return to standard operating mode just as smoothly, ensuring a smooth start for traffic flow.

Once all technical settings are completed, the special algorithm will cover more than 80 traffic light objects throughout the city. Officials emphasize that the main task of the changes is to create safe conditions for everyone who joins the mourning ceremony daily.

Context of the transport situation

The introduction of "smart" traffic lights is taking place against the backdrop of general changes in urban mobility. Recently, it was reported that the fare for marshrutkas (minibuses) in Kyiv would increase from 15 to 25 hryvnias starting July 15. Carriers explain the price hike by a shortage of drivers, rising fuel and spare parts prices, as well as difficulties with reserving employees from mobilization. Meanwhile, Vinnitsa continues to seek solutions to optimize and humanize the urban environment, focusing on safety and memory.