Driving on Independence Avenue has become confusing for some road users since the activation of the new traffic lights. Vehicles still tend to proceed even when the lights are red. Meanwhile, pedestrians are unsure when it is safe to cross, often waiting for traffic to clear completely before moving.
These traffic signals should, however, be familiar to those who have passed their driving tests. “We learned about them, but since these signals didn’t exist here, we have forgotten how to use them,” says driver Pierre Andriamanantsoa.
The Urban Commune of Antananarivo reminds the public that when the light is green, traffic is authorized. “Cars, motorcycles, and bicycles must all stop without waiting to see if pedestrians are crossing when the lights are red. Similarly, for pedestrians, when it is green, they can cross without waiting to see if vehicles are moving or not,” explains Panoel Tsiky Rakotondrainivonona, head of the municipal police. He emphasizes that the orange light indicates that if one is already on the pedestrian crossing, they should continue. “Those who have not yet entered must stop immediately. This applies to cars, motorcycles, and bicycles in particular,” he specifies. The commune stresses that drivers must reduce their speed before reaching the traffic lights.
It has been over 20 years since such infrastructure was implemented in the city of Antananarivo. “Traffic is now more fluid and is proceeding as it should,” says Andrianina Brice Ratsimba, Divisional Police Commissioner and Director of Transport and Urban Mobility.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-23 06:23:59 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/circulation-les-feux-tricolores.html