‘Intelligent’ traffic lights appearing across several French communes
How French towns are using technology to adapt road safety
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Several towns and communes in France are installing or testing ‘intelligent’ traffic lights to encourage drivers to respect the speed limits or make pedestrian crossings safer.
These traffic lights adapt their operation according to the situation on the road rather than following a fixed cycle.
Lights that respond to vehicle speed
One type of smart traffic light is known in France as a feu récompense (reward traffic light). These systems are designed to encourage motorists to respect speed limits by adapting the light according to vehicle speed.
In Baisieux (Nord), a feu récompense was installed in May 2025. The town described the system as one that “remains green when the authorised speed is respected”.
The installation was carried out on a trial basis with the Métropole Européenne de Lille (MEL), as part of a wider plan to improve safety on secondary roads.
In Faverolles (Eure-et-Loir), two smart reward lights were also installed in September 2025. The principle is to keep the light red by default and allow it to turn green when the approaching vehicle is travelling at the correct speed.
In Albi (Tarn), a similar system was tested. The light measures vehicle speed and allows drivers travelling at the correct speed to pass without stopping, while vehicles approaching too quickly encounter a red light.
In Couzeix (Haute-Vienne), a feu vert récompense was announced in February 2026 and installed for a six-month trial aimed at reducing speed while testing an alternative to traditional traffic-calming measures. The system remains red by default and turns green when a vehicle approaches at 50km/h or below. If the vehicle is speeding, the light stays red.
A different type of smart light: protecting pedestrians
Not all traffic lights are designed to slow vehicles. Some are intended mainly to make pedestrian crossings safer.
In Achicourt, near Arras in Pas-de-Calais, a new intelligent traffic light was installed to help pedestrians cross safely, particularly around school entry and exit times.
When there is no particular need, the light remains inactive. The Communauté Urbaine d’Arras explains that “the light remains switched off so as not to slow down traffic unnecessarily”.
If a pedestrian wants to cross and vehicles are present, the system reacts progressively. If the pedestrian waits for three to five seconds, the light changes to flashing amber warning drivers to slow down.
If the pedestrian continues waiting for more than five seconds, the light turns red for vehicles, allowing the crossing to take place safely. After the pedestrian has crossed, the light automatically switches off and returns to standby mode.
A pedestrian call button is also available to request that vehicles stop when needed.
