Drivers who violated the odd-even traffic rule in Jakarta may have escaped fines during the rule’s month-long trial period. But soon, expect no leniency if you drive your vehicle on the wrong date on odd-even zones.
The effectiveness of the odd-even rule during its trial was supposed to be evaluated after the period ends on August 26, but it seems the government and law enforcers have already agreed on fully implementing the traffic control measure. Jakarta Metro Police Chief Inspector General Moechgiyarto confirmed as much by saying that the rule, along with its corresponding fines, will be officially enforced at the end of the month.
“There’s no need for an evaluation, (starting) on August 30 if there are violators we will fine them Rp 500,000, just like people who drive on busway lanes,” Moechgiyarto said yesterday, as quoted by BeritaSatu.
Earlier this month, Moechgiyarto said that, based on traffic department reports, the odd-even rule is “very effective” in that it reduced congestion by about 20% and that it’s easier to enforce than its predecessor, the 3-in-1 rule.
In addition, the odd-even rule also contributed to an increase in TransJakarta bus passengers on affected zones.
The odd-even rule covers Jalan Sisingamaharaja, 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.
