The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (Minister NOH Hyeong-ouk) adopted the guidelines from the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters and set the 6-day period from January 28 to February 6 to execute special traffic control measures for the Lunar New Year and will enforce “Government’s Joint Special Traffic Measures” with the cooperation from relevant organizations.
The public survey conducted by the Korea Transport Institute on families and individuals travelling during the Lunar New Year showed that a total of 28.77 million people , which is an average of 4.8 million people per day, will be traveling and the number of vehicles using the expressway will be 4.62 million vehicles per day on average will be on the express highway during the period of Special Traffic Measures for the Lunar New Year (1.28~2.2, 6 days).
In particular, in view of the fact that the preventative measures against COVID-19 cannot be loosened since confirmed Omicron cases are surging , the focus of the current measures is to execute concrete preventative measures against COVID-19 and safely assist the public during travels.
The ministry, with relevant organizations, is expected to strengthen preventative measures by implementing temporary screening centers in rest areas within major expressways and train stations, as well as enhancing disinfection works within densely populated areas during the holidays.
The ministry is also expected to use the ITS system to provide the public with a real-time traffic information in order to reduce a concentration of traffic volume, which also helps to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
MOLIT Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistics Eo Myeong-so said “With the spread of Omicron across the peninsula, disease control in relation to transportation means is crucial now more than ever,” and urged relevant organizations to establish a thorough preventative system.
He added, ” I ask for everyone who travels during the holidays to drive safely to their respective hometowns as accidents occur more frequently in the winter season due to the deterioration of weather conditions from heavy snow, cold wave, etc.“
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