This traffic light system rewards safe driving and penalizes speeders. Here’s how

The advanced and unique traffic signal system was installed in a school area where drivers are asked to slow down. It is known as FRED (feu de ralentissement éducatif), which translates to “educational traffic calming light”. The report claims that the traffic light stays red and only turns green when it detects that the speed of the approaching vehicle is below the limit. If a vehicle approaches the signal zone above the speed limit, the display remains red and forces the driver to slow down or even stop.

Also Read: How to Check if a Traffic Issue is Coming. Step by step guide

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time such technology has been used. Such a traffic light system is widespread in European countries. However, this is the first time such a traffic signal system has been installed in North America. The city will trial this technology for 90 days on a dual carriageway where the speed limit was 40 km/h before the system was installed and has now been reduced to 29 km/h.

Brossard Mayor Doreen Assaad reportedly said there had been strong calls across Canada for such strict speed control measures near school zones. This technology is part of the answer to that demand. Another Canadian city, Quebec, also has automatic security cameras that issue fines if they spot drivers speeding or ignoring red lights. Interestingly, this technology is also available in Indian cities like Kolkata, where red light violators receive e-challan via messages on their mobile phones after being detected as speeding or red light violators by a widespread network of cameras.

First publication date: May 22, 2023 10:28 am IST