Jeonju City Expands Operation of 'Emergency Vehicle Priority Signal System'

Part of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) National Subsidy Project

Jeonju City in North Jeolla Province is expanding the operation of the 'Emergency Vehicle Priority Signal System' to enable fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars to reach the scene more quickly in emergency situations.

Jeonju City is expanding the operation of the 'Emergency Vehicle Priority Signal System'. Photo by Jeonju City

According to the city on December 16, the 'Emergency Vehicle Priority Signal System' is a smart traffic technology in which the Jeonju City Traffic Information Center centrally controls traffic signals at intersections throughout the city. When an emergency vehicle is dispatched, the system automatically turns the signals along its route green.

To prioritize the lives and safety of its citizens, the city has been building and operating the Emergency Vehicle Priority Signal System since 2023 as part of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) National Subsidy Project.

This system is utilized by fire stations and police stations when emergencies occur. Since its implementation, it has helped secure the golden time for citizens in danger by allowing emergency vehicles to move without stopping for red lights.

In particular, in May this year, a man who collapsed while exercising was able to reach the hospital in about eight minutes-down from the expected 20 minutes according to navigation-thanks to the Emergency Vehicle Priority Signal System, playing a decisive role in saving his life.

According to the Jeonbuk Fire Headquarters, using the Emergency Vehicle Priority Signal System for emergency dispatches of ambulances, police cars, and fire trucks has reduced response times by an average of more than 25% compared to previous times. This not only helps secure the golden time for emergency patients but is also expected to enable a swift response in the event of serious incidents.

The city noted that with the expanded operation of the Emergency Vehicle Priority Signal System, the signal waiting time at intersections along the route of emergency vehicles may be longer than usual. However, as this is a measure to protect lives, the city asked for citizens' understanding and cooperation.

To raise public awareness of the Emergency Vehicle Priority Signal System, the city plans to continue promoting it through traffic information boards, electronic display panels, and bus stop BITs.

Choi Junbeom, Director of the City Public Transportation Bureau, said, "With the expanded operation of the Emergency Vehicle Priority Signal System, there may be some inconvenience due to signal delays in sections where emergency vehicles pass. However, in cases of fire, cardiac arrest, or major accidents, even a one-minute delay can mean the difference between life and death. I ask all citizens to cooperate and yield with the mindset that you are protecting the lives of your family and neighbors, as this will greatly enhance the effectiveness of the Emergency Vehicle Priority Signal System."