Traffic restrictions in and around capital

Source: Kuenselonline.com

SAARC Summit12 April, 2010 - Vehicle owners in Thimphu can expect to be stopped and directed by traffic police to take another route when VIPs are on the move on April 28 and April 29, said traffic division officials.
During the arrival of SAARC delegates on April 26 and 27, as well as their departure on April 30, traffic will be stopped on Norzin lam, starting from the taxi parking up to Chubachu.

However, for public convenience, the movement of public transport, like buses and taxis, will be allowed and restrictions lifted from 8 pm to 7 am.

Besides stopping traffic plying from Thimphu to Paro on April 26 and 27, police will also stop vehicles coming from Wangduephodrang and Punakha at Semtokha. Those coming from Haa will be stopped at Chuzom, and those from Phuentsholing at Damchu.

Traffic superintendent (SP), major Passang Dorji, said that the movement of vehicles would be stopped until all delegates reach Thimphu. On April 26, 28 and 30, only last digit odd number vehicles will be allowed to ply in Thimphu, while those with an even number as their last digit will be allowed to ply on April 27 and 29.

“Those violating this rule will be penalised, with the traffic police grounding their vehicles until April 30,” major Passang Dorji said. “The timings, if there are any, will be informed to the public later.” Traffic officials said that all preparations for the summit are in place. “The only thing we need is the public’s support for a few days,” the traffic SP said.

By Sonam Pelden