Optimized traffic lights cut red wait time

Denmark’s Road Directorate is adjusting 320 traffic lights to sync with real-time traffic and lessen wait times at red lights, aiming to save 150-300 tons of CO2 annually and net a societal benefit of 77 million kr. Adjustments involve changing light durations, introducing left-turn signals without major roadwork, and bettering traffic flow. The initiative, praised by Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen for its simplicity and impact, is expected to reduce congestion, CO2 emissions, and time wasted by drivers. The process, started in 2018, has completed alterations to two-thirds of state-owned traffic signals, with the remainder to follow soon. The savings do not take truck traffic into account, and the Directorate oversees signals on major state roads, with around 3,100 signals nationwide.