In a move to combat COVID-19, grocery chain Aldi announced the installation of traffic lights in its UK stores.

The lights mimic typical traffic lights. A green light means you’re allowed to enter the store, and a red light means you must wait until someone exits. By doing so, the lights will greatly assist with limiting the number of people inside the store.

Taking humans out of the equation (for our own safety)

Image source: LADBible

Most importantly, the automated light system requires less human interaction. Naturally, this reduces the chance of physical contact.

This is a significantly different approach from what we’ve seen lately. Instead of simple signs that essentially force shoppers to govern themselves (resulting in the potential for conflict)… Aldi’s visual traffic lights will make it absolutely clear when you’re able to enter the store.

Aldi’s communications director Richard Thornton was eager to roll out the system. “The protection and safety of our customers and employees is our top priority, and the system’s trial was well received by our customers,” he said. “We will be gradually rolling this new social distancing measure out [across the UK].”

The traffic lights have already been installed in the majority of their 840+ stores in the UK… and early reviews from shoppers have been positive.

“It certainly felt like the queue was moving faster,” wrote a reporter for Kent News. “Other shoppers seemed calmer too with a new system to follow. [The queue] went down quickly and we were inside shopping within minutes.”

What do you think? Is this a helpful measure to preserve social distancing measures – or is it a bit overkill? Let us know in the comments below!