Supermarket installs traffic light system for social distancing

Aldi's system will be set up at the entrance of the store, working in tandem with an outdoor queuing system

Spotted: Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, supermarkets have had to implement several measures to limit the number of shoppers in-store and to ensure social distancing. Supermarket chain Aldi has launched an “automated traffic light system” across its UK stores to ensure that social distancing measures keep in place once the lockdown is lifted. It will be set up at the entrance of the store, working in tandem with the outdoor queuing system.

Depending on the size and layout of the store, each one will have a specific number of customers it can allow in at a time to enable a two-metre distance. The traffic light system will track customers going in and out of the store. The light will show red and only turn green when there is enough space in the store for the next customer to safely enter. NHS workers will get priority, and customers will be asked to allow them to the front of the queue when necessary.

The system was initially trialled in just ten of Aldi’s UK stores and after proving to be a success, it was rolled out across their 847 stores nationwide at the end of May.

Explore more: Retail Innovations | COVID-19 Innovations