Neten Dorji

Trashigang—Parking in front of shops with hazard lights on in Trashigang town will quickly draw the attention of traffic police, whose sharp whistles will remind you of the rules.

The new lane markings, resembling those on highways, signal a no-parking zone, yet this initiative by the dzongkhag municipality and police has faced criticism from residents and drivers since its implementation.

Residents and customers in Trashigang are expressing frustration over the strict no-parking policy in the town, particularly when stopping to shop, even for a few minutes. Many argue that the new regulations, enforced by the dzongkhag municipality and the police, make it difficult to park, even when there are no other vehicles in sight.

“We have to park far from the shops, making it very difficult to buy goods,” said Kinzang Wangchuk, a driver. “Even in bigger towns, we can park with hazard lights on for a few minutes. Why enforce this rule in a small town like Trashigang?”

Business owners like Galay Wangchuk are also feeling the impact. “Unlike before, cars can no longer park for a few minutes with parking lights on while customers shop. This is affecting our business as well as hoteliers,” he noted.

Despite requests to allow short-term parking, the traffic police have remained firm in their stance.

Kelzang Choden, another business owner, echoed these concerns, stating that the restriction is hurting both hoteliers and shopkeepers. “The number of customers has decreased. Some pass by without stopping, so shopkeepers are hardly earning any money.”

Sonam Yangchen, a hotelier, shared similar worries. “Customers don’t even have a moment to eat and drink because the traffic police force them to move. If this rule continues, it will be difficult to earn enough to pay rent.”

The policy has impacted all 21 business entities in the lower part of Trashigang town, including seven hotels. Residents also criticise the lack of communication from the municipality.

“In meetings, the Police, Bhutan Transport and Construction Authority, and municipal officials decided on these restrictions, but it would have been better if they allowed only customer vehicles to park in front of shops,” a resident pointed out.

Phuntsho, another resident, lamented that customers can’t even stop briefly to buy Doma without being whistled at by the traffic police. “Trashigang town does not have much traffic, and the road is not a highway. We feel customers should be allowed to park for a few minutes.”

In response, traffic police explained that the measure was implemented to streamline traffic and enhance safety.

“When vehicles are parked along the way, it is not safe for commuters. If someone crosses the road behind a parked car, there’s a risk of being hit,” a traffic officer said. He added that prolonged parking leads to congestion and increased risk.

Municipality representative, Sonam Dorji, acknowledged the challenges in enforcing traffic rules in a small town like Trashigang.

“I understand how this has affected businesses, but once the rules are implemented, we cannot do anything,” he said, suggesting that allowing a few more minutes for parking might be a better approach.

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