Old points on old cars

From Berita Buana

The suggestion to curb older cars from Jakarta roads to ease traffic flow compels me to write this letter.

In Tokyo no car older than five years can be found cruising the city. In Singapore, there are more lenient rules in effect. People may keep their cars for a period of ten years.

We all know that the average income of people in Japan and Singapore ranks much higher compared to that of Indonesians. From this point of view, the purchase of a new car every five, or ten years, would pose little problem for them.

However, it would be a totally different matter if such rules were to be implemented in Indonesia. Aside from much lower incomes, it is said that local car prices are among the most expensive in the world. The comparison made is therefore quite irrelevant.

Another point. The proposed slash in the number of vehicles gives the impression that the old cars are behind the transportation problem. Because of frequent breakdowns?

This isn't entirely true. New cars are known to break down also. And what about the hobbyists of antique cars? Their cars are well maintained and therefore run well. But, I admit, they are in a different category.

Worse still, the proposed rule would only widen the gap between rich and poor. Are the roads meant for use of the affluent only?

In my opinion, the real trouble makers in Jakarta are undisciplined drivers, especially, drivers of public transportation companies. They are a notorious breed in the capital, because of their reckless driving, picking up and delivering passengers at will. Toll road jams are caused by collisions of heavy transport trucks.

I hope the government does something about road discipline to ease the flow of traffic.

MOHAMMAD ILYAS

Jl. Dr. Saharjo,

Jakarta