Bogor traffic signs vandalized, stolen

BOGOR (JP): At least 500 traffic signs along major streets in Bogor were vandalized or stolen, which has made chronic traffic jam problems difficult to solve, an official said on Saturday.

Roswandi of the Bogor chapter of the Land Transportation Agency said the installation of new traffic signs required a large amount of money since one sign cost at least Rp 250,000 (US$35.70).

"I don't know why people vandalize or steal traffic signs," he said at a meeting of representatives of the traffic coordinating body at Bogor Police precinct.

The head of the Bogor traffic unit, Maj. Supriadi, said that besides the signs, people also vandalized steel fences used as medians on major roads.

"Some of the fences were intentionally cut by people who want to take a short cut across busy streets," Supriadi said.

He said the damage to the fences also caused traffic jams since many public transportation vans stopped to pick up passengers there, he said.

He said besides undisciplined people, traffic jams here were also caused by street vendors who displayed their merchandise on the sidewalk. (jun)