Update: The Jakarta Transportation Agency admits there are plans for an expansion of the existing motorcycle ban in Central Jakarta, but denied that it would be implemented on May 1.
For all of the controversy surrounding the trial and eventual planned permanent removal of the 3-in-1 carpooling scheme, this next upcoming change to Jakarta’s road regulations will surely divide opinions even more and possibly cause an even bigger uproar from many of the city’s road users.
Okezone reports that, starting on May 1, the provincial government is extending the motorcycle ban in Central Jakarta to include Jalan Sudirman and as-of-yet unspecified areas of Senayan.
Motorcyclists won’t be allowed to drive on these zones from 5 am to 11 pm.
This will be an extension of the existing motorcycle ban that covers Jalan MH Thamrin and Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat, two roads that connect with Jalan Sudirman to make up the capital’s long stretch of business district.
Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama spoke of expanding the motorcycle ban from Jakarta’s major roads when the first phase was implemented in early 2015, much to the dismay of motorcycle users. The extension of the ban is meant to help alleviate some of the increased congestion caused by the removal of the 3-in-1 rule.
It looks like the ban extension already has vocal critics – even before it has been enacted – one of whom is none other than Transport Minister Ignasius Jonan.
“The authority [to introduce such a ban] is with the governor (Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama), not me,” he said yesterday, as quoted by Okezone.
“The governor’s motives [for the ban] must be questioned.”
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