Workers this week began the task of installing some 100 new sets of traffic lights around Phnom Penh, with new lights already installed at intersections on the frequently gridlocked Norodom Boulevard, City Hall spokesman Mean Chanyada said yesterday.

“We are putting in around 100 traffic lights, and it is sponsored by Japan – [they] are installing the traffic lights to reduce traffic congestion and for the beauty of the city,” he said. “These traffic lights are much better and more modern, with new technology.”

Lights have also already been installed on Sisowath Quay, but Chanyada said he did not have a list of where all 100 would be placed, only noting that they would be operational by next year.

Workers on Sisowath Quay said that each set of lights was equipped with cameras linked back to a control centre.

“As far as I know, these traffic lights are very modern, meaning that when the traffic lights can see that one side is very stuck, the lights can allow that side to go first,” said Sa Voan, a worker.