Tuk-tuks and jumbos have been banned from driving on certain roads in Vientiane 's city centre in an effort to ease traffic congestion.
Vientiane Public Works and Transport Department Deputy Director, Mr Chanxay Vinavong, on Tuesday said the vehicles were banned from operating on Setthathirath Road between Vat Inpaeng in Chanthabouly district to the Thatkhao intersection in Sisattanak district, as well as between the Thatkhao and Sihome intersections on Samsenthai Road .
The vehicles are also banned from running between the Horkham and Phonsa-ard intersections on Kaysone Phomvihane Avenue . “But they are allowed to cross these roads any time and use the roads from 9:00 pm to 5am,” Mr Chanxay said. “
Additionally, the ban is due to the specifications of these vehicles which are not standardised such as signal lights and brake lights.
“This is not a permanent rule. It is an initial effort to address traffic congestion, particularly during the time when people travel to and from work, if it is not a realistic condition it would be looked at and revised,” he said.
Mr Chanxay believes that it would not have a negative aspect on tourists sightseeing in the areas of the ban as the areas are only a short walk and tuk-tuk and jumbo drivers could use other routes when providing services around the prohibited roads.
To effectively implement the plan in accordance with the department's announcement, traffic police, public works and transport officials met with representatives of the Vientiane Tuk-tuk and Jumbo Association on Wednesday, according to Mr Chanxay.
The relevant authorities are also working on relocating tuk-tuk and jumbo stations currently located in the city centre, a task which is expected to be complete by next week.
Ideally there will be no stations located on major roads, but if that is unrealistic then a compromise will be reached, Mr Chanxay said.
The vehicles will be allowed to be stationed in identified areas only, with not more than two vehicles permitted to park at a station to wait for customers.
At present, there are almost 4,000 tuk-tuks and jumbos in Vientiane , of which only half are registered members of the Vientiane Tuk-tuk and Jumbo Association.
Mr Chanxay said many drivers had not registered with the association because they believed tuk-tuks and jumbos would be banned by 2010.
“There have been some rumours that tuk-tuk and jumbo services will be banned in Vientiane from 2010, but this is incorrect,” Mr Chanxay said.
“Our country still has a need for the services offered by these vehicles as bus services are still inadequate and these types of vehicles are ideal for small city laneways.”
The association recently improved its administrative structure by selecting association officials to investigate any inappropriate behaviour by tuk-tuk or jumbo drivers
sky train? yeah right. how about getting the traffic lights and street light working first.
Can't even make roads that last more then 6 months without potholes and damages. how in the world would you get a sky train to run? plan on what is a attainable, not what is imaginable. you'll realize your goals faster.
I would not agree 100% that Tuk Tuk and Jam Boo cause much traffic jam, many cars and motobikes are the major problem too plus we do not have wider roads. So this new regulation will affect not only Tuk Tuk and Jamboo drivers, but also tourists and vientiane residents.
One the other hand, the Tuk Tuk and Jamboo association should improve appropriate regulation and manage a sound rule and regulation for thoses drivers in which could reduce traffic Jam and road accident
on the bigger and faster streets, tuk tuk can be a danger to themselves and those who ride them, esp. when they are designed for smaller and slower speed.
certain roads and streets should be used mostly for trucks and normal passenger vehicles, allowing for uniform traffic flow and speed zones.
I would not agree 100% that Tuk Tuk and Jam Boo cause much traffic jam, many cars and motobikes are the major problem too plus we do not have wider roads. So this new regulation will affect not only Tuk Tuk and Jamboo drivers, but also tourists and vientiane residents.
One the other hand, the Tuk Tuk and Jamboo association should improve appropriate regulation and manage a sound rule and regulation for thoses drivers in which could reduce traffic Jam and road accident
