Tesco becomes latest supermarket to install TRAFFIC LIGHTS system on its store doors

Tesco has launched a traffic light system to tell customers whether or not they can enter the store to allow social distancing. 

Supermarkets have had to control how many customers enter their store since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, with queues and marshals telling customers when it is safe to enter.  

Tesco has joined Aldi, which has already introduced a traffic light system, and Home Bargains, who are working on introducing them. 

The type of system the supermarket will use and at how many branches this will be implemented at is unknown, The Sun reported.   

Tesco has launched a traffic light system to tell customers whether or not they can enter, as stores continue to control the number of customers amid the coronavirus pandemic to adhere to social distancing guidelines (file photo)

‘Over the coming weeks, you will also start to see a simple “traffic lights” system at the entrances of some of our larger stores, to help us manage the flow in and out,” Tesco boss Jason Tarry said in an email to customers. 

Aldi’s traffic light system was introduced at the end of May, with red and light LED lights above the entrances to its stores.

The lights signal green if customers are allowed to enter and it is dependent on the amount of shoppers inside at that time. 

They rely on sensors in the doorways which count how many people go into the store and how many leave. 

In May, the German budget retailer confirmed that doors would remain closed and locked until the light went green. 

It added that fully trained marshals would be on patrol in the stores at all times ‘if they are required’ to ensure social distancing guidelines were being adhered to. 

Many supermarkets installed protective screens at the checkouts and installed a one-way system to allow for social distancing. 

Under current guidelines, shoppers are advised to stay 2 metres apart where possible and wear a face covering while they shop, unless they are exempt.   

Budget supermarket Aldi introduced a traffic light system in May which locked the doors until the LED light above the entrance went green

Aldi communications director Richard Thornton, 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.’ 

It has also put up ‘sanitation stations’ and signs with advice on how to stay safe from coronavirus while shopping.

The German discount supermarket chain has 875 stores across Britain and employs 33,000 people. It plans to have expanded to 1,200 stores by the middle of the decade.    

In March, supermarkets had to put restrictions on popular items such as toilet paper and pasta after customers began stockpiling. 

In recent weeks, some supermarkets have had to reintroduce these restrictions after fears of a second wave led some to buy more items than they needed.