Traffic restrictions for Idul Fitri

SEMARANG, Central Java: Certain kinds of trucks will not be allowed to operate along the north coast highway of Java during the four days preceding Idul Fitri, so that holiday revelers may reach their hometowns untroubled, a senior official said.

Head of the Central Java Traffic and Land Transportation Office Srihono said on Monday that the restriction would be effective from Dec. 2-6 for all articulated vehicles hauling more than one trailer.

Trucks carrying fuel, cattle, staple foods, milk, fertilizers, and postal goods are exempted, he added.

Srihono said that on Dec. 2 at 12 p.m., the East-West lane of the north coast highway will only be accessible to public transportation. Srihono has also recommended that travelers using private cars take alternative routes to their destinations, "...to avoid traffic congestion because there will be 2.7 million people trying to get home," he said.

He predicted that the number of people using land, sea, and air transportation would increase to between 10 and 15 percent during the Idul Fitri, Christmas, and New Year holidays. --Antara