Motorists warned to steer clear of markets
Motorists warned to steer clear of markets
Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon
Police are warning motorists to avoid certain parts of the
Jakarta-Cirebon north coast highway as the activities of 12
traditional markets were disrupting traffic and could cause long
delays on the eve of Idul Fitri.
According to data from the Indramayu Police, there are seven
parts of the highway prone to traffic jams as a result of
traditional markets spilling over onto the road. Those areas are
Patrol, Sukra, Eretan Wetan, Bulak/Parean, Bangkir, Jatibarang
and Karangampel.
Traditional markets frequently causing traffic jams along the
Indramayu-Cirebon highway are located in Tegalgubug, Paliaman,
Celancang, Plered and Gebang.
The chief of the Cirebon Police, Adj. Sr. Comr. Musyafak, said
traditional markets caused heavy congestion because vendors often
sell from the side of the road.
"Many traders set up their goods on the side of the highway
while minibuses stop on the road to pick up and let off traders
and shoppers. The number of pedestrians often cause the buses and
cars to stop, and all these factors contribute to long traffic
jams," he told The Jakarta Post on Friday.
The police have used a persuasive approach to help traders,
shoppers and minibus drivers be aware of keeping the traffic
flowing smoothly along the highway, he said.
Musyafak said the police had placed traffic cones to divide
the road into two lanes, but they are usually moved or damaged by
minibus drivers to allow them to make U-turns near the markets.
"The police have tried to persuade the public to comply with
traffic rulings. Strict measures will be taken should traders,
shoppers and motorists fail to comply with the regulations," he
said.
The main problem, he said, was that traders, motorists and
shoppers lacked road discipline and, especially in the case of
minibuses, the police would not only write tickets but also seize
vehicles to prevent recurring traffic violations, he said.
Indramayu Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Eko Hadi Sutedjo said
the traditional markets were one of several factors potentially
causing traffic delays along the highway.
"Accidents are another frequent cause of traffic jams, which
can last for many hours, and most accidents are a result of human
error.
"Traffic police officers will be deployed in all areas prone
to congestion from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Peak hours are from
8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and there are only several security posts
and a few patrol officers who will be patrolling the highway
regularly," he said.
Eko said motorists should think about choosing alternative
routes if they were traveling to Central or East Java and that
the police had placed signs along the way to help motorists reach
their destinations.