Faulty traffic lights, flooding, and a growing number of vehicles are worsening traffic congestion in Vientiane, where police say more than 40 percent of the capital’s traffic lights are either malfunctioning or out of service.
Speaking at the press briefing on 14 July, Sangkhom Phommalath, Head of the Traffic Police Department under the Vientiane Capital Public Security Headquarters, said the capital has 68 signalized intersections.
Only 39 are operating normally. Seventeen are completely out of service, while another 12 are only partially functioning because of technical faults, leaving many of the city’s busiest intersections without reliable traffic control.
Police said the faulty traffic lights are one of several factors contributing to congestion, even during the current school holiday when traffic is typically lighter.
According to Sangkhom, heavy rainfall frequently overwhelms drainage systems, causing flooding that slows traffic and makes it more difficult for vehicles to move through key roads and intersections. Power outages and technical failures also regularly disable traffic lights. In some cases, all four directions display green or red signals at the same time, while other intersections experience partial signal failures.
The growing number of vehicles on Vientiane’s roads is adding further pressure. Police pointed to the increasing use of electric motorcycles and three-wheeled electric vehicles, many of which are unregistered and more difficult to regulate.
Limited parking at restaurants, shops, and businesses is also contributing to congestion, as drivers often park along roadsides, reducing available road space and obstructing traffic flow. Police added that motorists who ignore traffic regulations further worsen the situation.
To ease congestion, traffic police have deployed officers to manually direct vehicles during peak hours while coordinating with relevant agencies to repair damaged traffic lights and improve drainage systems. Authorities are also stepping up public awareness campaigns and strengthening enforcement of traffic laws.
Police urged motorists to obey traffic regulations, avoid speeding and drink driving, and exercise extra caution when approaching intersections where traffic lights are not functioning. They also encouraged drivers to cooperate with traffic officers while repairs are underway.
