Drivers of heavy and medium vehicles are unhappy with the recently implemented entry timing in the main Thimphu town by the Traffic Police.
Truckers are restricted to drive along roads within Thimphu Thromde from 8 till 10 in the morning and from 3-6 in the evening.
Truck and DCM drivers said the entry timing is of great inconveniences for them since it takes two to three days to entirely unload the consignments.
“If things continue like this, then it would be difficult for us to pay taxes and repay loan interests on time,” said a DCM driver, Kinley.
Some other lorry drivers said they would be grateful if the traffic police could relook into the entry timings.
“In a day, we have to work 10 hours but with the new entry timing, we are able to work for five hours per day,” said a trucker named Kinley Tshering. “What we would like to request is if traffic could restrict us to ply the main roads from 8am-9am in morning and during evenings, 5pm until 6 pm.”
However, the traffic officials said they cannot change the timing. They added that such measure was enforced to ease traffic congestion and ensure safety of pedestrians and motorists in the city.
“Several maintenance works of roads and construction of bridges are taking place in Thimphu Thromde and this result in more traffic congestion,” said Officer Commanding of Traffic Division, Captain Kencho Tshering.
He further said that, “During rush hours, there are fleets of vehicles on the road and when heavy and medium vehicles join the fleet, traffic becomes too congested and there are high chances of accidents.”
Meanwhile the restriction of heavy and medium vehicles along the Norzin and Chang Lams (streets) in the core Thimphu town has been implemented since seven years ago.
During the peak hour movement restrictions, trucks and other heavy and medium vehicles are barred from entering the Thimphu town from Langjophaka in the north and welcome gate in the south. However, movement is allowed during weekends. Anyone violating the rule will be fined Nu 750. Traffic Division implemented the rule after a consultative meeting with the relevant stakeholders a month ago.
