Tesco will use technology to monitor crowds in its stores

Tesco will begin introducing a new system to help control the number of people within its stores.

The new technology will count how many people enter and exit a Tesco at any one time and will use a system similar to traffic lights to indicate when it is safe to enter.

A screen outside the door will be red to show that nobody is allowed to enter, and will turn green once there is space within the shop.

The system can be flexible to fit the size of different store and will be implemented in most stores around the country, starting with the superstore and Tesco Extra outlets, while a separate system for Tesco Express shops is being worked on.

However, shop doors will still be monitored manually during very busy times and hours dedicated to the elderly and family carers.

Chief operating officer with Tesco Ireland Geoff Byrne said: "We've worked hard to maintain a safe shopping environment for colleagues and customers to date.

"This new technology is a simple, accurate way of reducing queue times and allows our colleagues spend more time helping customers."

The system was trialled in Greystines and store manager David Murphy said: "With social distancing and the management of the flow of people likely to be with us for the near future, this technology is very important."