Restricting traffic to license plate numbers absurd

Restricting traffic to license plate numbers absurd

In addition to the city's busway project, which is scheduled to
be implemented later this year, there is another plan to limit
the number of vehicles on the road. A traffic restriction that
goes by the last number on vehicle owners' license plates would
control which vehicles could travel on city streets in an effort
to reduce lengthy tie-ups, according to one city official. If the
policy takes effect, cars with license plates ending in certain
numbers will have to be left at home on specific days. Some car
owners in the city told The Jakarta Post what they thought about
the policy.

Joice Budisusanto, 40, is a corporate communications manager
at a private company on Jl. M.H. Thamrin, Central Jakarta. She
lives in Tomang, West Jakarta, with her family:

I disagree with the license plate-based restriction because it
seems irrational.

It will only restrict the public's access to transportation
without giving us another alternative. It won't solve the
transportation problem.

I only have one car but I could manage to get two license
plates so that I could use it every day.

I don't want to take public transportation because I don't
want to look a mess at work due to the poor condition of public
transportation here.

Would the government provide better, safer and more
comfortable public transportation? I would be much happier to use
public transportation.

It would automatically reduce people's desire to buy new cars.
It would also mean that the traffic will not be as severely
congested as it is now.

I think the busway project is just nonsense. It only favors a
certain group with vested interests rather than the public.

Satriyo, 26, is a freelance translator with a media company in
Cikini, Central Jakarta. He is a resident of Pejaten, South
Jakarta:

Personally, I don't like the idea of restricting the vehicles
on the road according to their license plate numbers.

I think it's just ridiculous. Now it looks like I have
something else to worry about before I drive off in my car.

The idea won't be a solution for this city's transportation
problems. It will be just as ineffective as the three-in-one
restricted zone policy.

The license-plate restriction will give rise to new kinds of
violations since the public is not that aware about it.

I would be very hesitant to comply with this policy, but I
guess it will be imposed some day.

I would only agree to it on the condition that the government
improves public transportation in the city. I would be happy to
use public transportation if I could feel safe and comfortable.

The busway project and the never-ending construction of some
flyovers will not solve the real problems.

Rocky Kalalo, 46, is a managing director at a private company
in Roxy Mas, West Jakarta. He lives in Kelapa Gading, North
Jakarta, with his wife and two children:

I think this idea will work. At least, I appreciate that the
city administration has the political will to manage
transportation in the city.

However, the government should monitor the policy's
implementation since it will be hard for the public to adjust to
something new like that. If it is implemented, all city residents
who use the roads, including high-ranking officials, should abide
by the rules. No one should have any kind of privileges, except
for emergency vehicles, such as ambulances and fire engines.

-- Leo Wahyudi S