Railway “Stop” signs to be replaced with traffic lights to ease congestion

To prevent long traffic jams at certain railway crossings in Uzbekistan, it has been decided to replace "Stop" signs with controlled traffic lights at railway intersections. This measure is outlined in a government resolution adopted following instructions from the President.

The report highlights that at some railway crossings, vehicles are required to stop even when trains do not pass for days or weeks, causing unnecessary traffic buildup. In response, the resolution aims to improve traffic flow, ease conditions for drivers, and eliminate such inefficiencies by introducing traffic lights in place of static stop signs.

For instance, on major roads in Tashkent—such as Fergana Road (near the bridge), the intersection of Choponata and Shota Rustaveli Streets, and the Small Ring Road (Kushbegi)—drivers currently stop despite the absence of rail traffic.

It is worth noting that the same resolution stipulates that from June 1, violations involving crossing road markings will no longer be recorded using automated photo and video systems, except in the case of stop line violations (road sign 5.33).

In addition, from June 1, road repair and marking work on urban roads will be prohibited between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., except on weekends or in cases where work cannot be delayed.

Starting September 1, the installation of the “Radar” road sign will be mandatory in areas where stationary or mobile speed control radars are located. These signs must be installed at distances between 250 and 500 meters from the radar location.

Moreover, driving vehicles other than buses in lanes marked with the letter “A” will be permitted between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and will not be considered a violation.

The resolution also mandates the installation of additional information signs indicating the operational hours of “Stopping is prohibited” and “Parking is prohibited” road signs, allowing drivers to park legally outside of the indicated times.