After its one-month trial period ended, the Jakarta Police began enforcing the new odd-even traffic rule on August 30. Officials claim that it has already led to a significant decrease in rush hour traffic, but recently released police data also show that plenty of drivers are still violating the regulation, even now that they face fines of Rp 500,000.
According to the data, in the first 5 days of the odd-even rule’s enforcement from August 30 to September 5, the police recorded 1,522 violations.
On the first day of enforcement, many motorist who violated the policy claimed ignorance or made other far-fetched excuses when they were stopped by police.
Police did note that the number of violations declined throughout the week, with a 30 percent drop in violations from Thursday to Friday.
The odd-even rule replaces the previous 3-in-1 system which was scrapped after police found direct evidence that it was leading to the exploitation of children.
The odd-even rule covers Jalan Sisingamangaraja, Jalan Sudirman, Jalan MH Thamrin, Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat, and parts of Jalan Gatot Subroto from 7am to 10am and 4:30pm to 8:30pm on weekdays. Vehicles with odd-numbered plates will be allowed to use those roads during rush hours on odd calendar dates and vice-versa.
