Aldi launches new traffic light system to limit number of people in stores

Aldi is launching a new traffic light system to limit the number of people in stores at any one time.

The budget retailer says the automated traffic light queuing technology will help control the number of customers that enter its stores, with the system being rolled out this week.

It will be launched in select stores following a successful trial, with it being available at all sites by mid-summer, the Independent reports.

Traffic lights will signal to let people know when they are allowed to enter the shop, to make sure everyone can adhere to social distancing rules and the need to stay two metres apart.

Aldi

Green means the doors are open and you can enter at will, while red means the doors are closed as there are too many people in the store already – when someone leaves, the light will switch to green.

Richard Thornton, communications director at Aldi, said: “The protection and safety of our customers and employees is our top priority and this new system is an accurate and effective way to allow us to control customer numbers in stores.

“The system’s trial was well received by our customers and we will be gradually rolling this new social distancing measure out nationwide from this week.”

David Clark / Geograph

Aldi also says its NHS and blue light worker priority access will remain in place, with these workers asked to go to the front of the queue. 

Besides the new system, Aldi is also running other new measures, including protective screens at checkouts, markers on shop floors for distancing, sanitisation stations, and signs giving guidance on how to shop safely.