TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Traffic conditions across West Jakarta's roads are predicted to worsen as Jakarta bans motorcycles from entering Central Jakarta's main thoroughfares, according to the deputy chief for traffic at the West Jakarta Police, Comr. Budiyono.
"It is almost certain that Jakarta's secondary roads will be more crowded," said Budiyono in Tomang, West Jakarta on Tuesday, December 16, 2014. Budiyono predicts that roads connecting Jl. MH Thamrin and Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat will experience twice as much traffic, especially in the afternoon and evening rush hours.
According to Budiyono, the congestion is predicted to adversely impact residential areas that connect the thoroughfares affected by the ban with West Jakarta, which poses a danger as these roads are often crossed by children. As such, Budiyono advises road users to seek alternative routes. "We advise parents to tell their children to avoid main roads in rush hours," he said.
To anticipate the deluge of traffic, Budiyono said the West Jakarta Police planned to deploy officers to stand guard at major traffic intersections. "We plan to deploy two to three officers per location, especially near major intersections and u-turn points," he said.
West Jakarta Police advise motorists to avoid Jl. Brigjen Katamso, Jl. KS Tubun, Jl. Kemanggisan Raya and Jl. Tomang Raya as the aforementioned roads will see more traffic and congestion resulting from the road restrictions.
DIMAS SIREGAR
