This paper is devoted to improving both the efficiency and the environmental friendliness of road vehicles during their operations through optimization of traffic phase duration within the controlled crossings. A novel criterion to optimize traffic phase duration within a controlled crossing is proposed. The proposed criterion supposes the minimal total delays of all road users waiting for a permissive traffic signal at the crossing and takes into consideration both pedestrian density and the number of passengers in vehicles. The calculation technique for the traffic phase was proposed, according to which delays of all road users were optimized, helping to improve the efficiency of vehicle operation within crossings. Based on the method, a technique to control traffic within crossings is developed and tested. Comparative analysis confirmed the decrease in unproductive delays of vehicles within the controlled crossings by contrast with the traditional approach. The technique makes it possible to reduce the delay of road users by 15-20% depending upon road crowding, the number of pedestrians, and passengers. Owing to the decreased period of waiting for a permissive traffic signal, the energy efficiency of public transport increases.