Gwangju Police Mobilize All Available Forces for Special Traffic Management During Lunar New Year Holiday...

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Gwangju Police will mobilize all available traffic police during the Lunar New Year holiday period to focus on special traffic management.

The Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency (Chief Kim Gyotae) announced on the 5th that it will deploy a total of 132 available personnel, including traffic police, traffic patrol units, and riot police, to conduct special traffic management duties to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety until the 14th.

First, until the 9th, when congestion is expected due to Lunar New Year preparations, personnel will be assigned mainly around traditional markets and large supermarkets, as well as nearby intersections and entrances/exits, to manage traffic with a focus on smooth flow.

Temporary parking and stopping will be allowed around a total of nine traditional markets, including Malbau and Daein Markets, during the Lunar New Year period to provide convenience to citizens. To establish traffic order, double parking and traffic violations that exacerbate congestion will be subject to enforcement and guidance.

From the 10th, when the main homecoming begins, until the 14th, when the return journey concludes, special traffic management focusing on smooth flow will be implemented around major entrances and exits such as Gwangsan and Seogwangju ICs, as well as around the bus terminal (U Square), Songjeong Station, and public cemeteries.

In particular, although national and municipal cemeteries will be closed during the Lunar New Year holiday due to COVID-19, some visitors unaware of this may visit Yeongnak Park and Mangwol Cemetery, potentially causing traffic congestion. Traffic police will be deployed in these areas to focus on traffic flow management.

Efforts will also be intensified to eradicate drunk driving and prevent traffic accidents.

During the Lunar New Year holiday, drunk driving traffic accidents decreased from 14 cases in 2017 to 6 in 2018 and 5 in 2019, but sharply increased to 47 cases last year.

Accordingly, to ensure citizens' traffic safety, spot checks for drunk driving will be conducted continuously day and night during the holiday period, moving locations every 20 to 30 minutes.

A Gwangju Police Agency official said, “If you have had even one drink with family or relatives, you should never get behind the wheel,” and added, “Please use designated drivers or public transportation for your return trip, and wear seat belts in all seats during long drives to protect your life and your family’s, ensuring a pleasant and safe homecoming and return journey.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.