A new emergency vehicle priority system will be introduced in Gangwon Province, allowing ambulances and fire trucks to cross city and county boundaries more quickly and safely. This aims to reduce response times and improve public safety during critical emergencies.

Key Points

- System Integration: Previously, emergency vehicle priority systems were operated separately by each city and county. The new plan will connect them into a unified system across Gangwon Province.

- Purpose: To ensure ambulances and fire trucks can receive traffic signal priority when crossing jurisdictional boundaries, reducing delays.

- Expected Benefits:

* Shorter response times for emergency vehicles.

* Reduced risk of accidents during intersection crossings.

* Improved coordination between local governments.

- Current Situation:

* Some areas already operate such systems, but they are limited to local jurisdictions.

* When vehicles cross into another city or county, priority signals are not guaranteed, causing delays.

- Legislative Approval: The plan was passed by the Gangwon Provincial Council’s standing committee on June 10, 2026.

- Statement from Officials: The council emphasized that “every minute and second in emergencies is crucial for saving lives,” highlighting the system’s importance as a practical safety measure rather than just a policy framework.