Running Red Lights and Traffic Behaviour in Budapest

Insights from the Hungária Boulevard – Kerepesi Road Intersection

Abstract

Aim: Traffic discipline and rule violations have long been central issues in road safety research, yet few recent Hungarian studies rely on direct field observations. Empirical data are especially scarce from urban intersections where vehicle and pedestrian flows strongly interact.

The study aims to identify and quantify the main types of traffic violations—red light running, illegal bus lane use, and failure to yield to pedestrians—at the Hungária Boulevard–Kerepesi Road intersection in Budapest.

Methodology: Observations were carried out on three consecutive weekday mornings during peak hours, involving police students as observers. Thousands of vehicle movements were recorded and categorized manually by vehicle type and violation type, followed by descriptive statistical analysis.

Value: During the observation period, 2,859 vehicles illegally entered the bus lane, right-turning drivers failed to yield to pedestrians on 75 occasions, and numerous red light violations were documented. The data reveal recurring risk-taking behavior, particularly concerning bus lane misuse and disregard for traffic signals.

Conclusion: The observed violations reflect systemic weaknesses in urban traffic discipline and highlight significant safety risks. Coordinated improvements in infrastructure, law enforcement, and driver awareness programs are required to enhance road safety. The study provides empirical groundwork for future large-scale research and targeted traffic safety interventions.