Old points on old cars

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