The Vientiane Traffic Police Department of the Ministry of Public Security is stationing 400 police officers around town from November 8-14 to ensure public safety during this year’s That Luang Festival.
The department held a meeting on Tuesday to outline its security plans for the festival and the fair at Lao-ITECC.
The meeting was attended by the Director General of the Traffic Police Department, Colonel Khamthavai Phetouthai, Vientiane Police Office Deputy Chief and Director of the Vientiane Traffic Police Department, Lieutenant Colonel Youttaphong Souvannasing, and fellow officers.
Speaking at the meeting, Lt Col Youttaphong said motorists would encounter increased congestion and other traffic problems during the festival.
Most of the congestion is expected along Kaysone Phomvihane, Nongbone, Sisangvone and Kamphaengmeuang roads leading into the festival.
Some 400 police officers will be on duty at 81 police posts and 14 vehicles will be on standby to deal with any accidents.
The police are calling on road users to respect the traffic regulations and obey police officers’ instructions to minimise congestion and road accidents.
Parking is permitted in front of the National Assembly while public transport will drop off and pick up passengers along roads from Xangpheuak, Hongkaikeo, That Luang Market, Sisangvone-Phonxay, Patouxay, and Phonsaart.
Vehicles travelling from Road 13 North towards That Luang will be allowed to park at areas set up by the festival committee or at Patuxay, in front of the Indochina Bank and along side roads in Sibounheua village, but must not obstruct other vehicles.
Vehicles travelling from Road 13 South and Road No 10 may park near the Khamphuangphet football field and on side roads in Phonphanao village, without obstructing traffic.
Vehicles coming from Thadeua and Hadxaifong district may park along Phonsinuan and Saphangmor roads.
Vehicles travelling from Xamkhey, Nakhuay, Dongkhamxang and Xiengda are permitted to park at Huakhua Market and the New That Luang Market.
Vehicles heading to Lao-ITECC can park in the centre’s parking lot.
Meanwhile, trucks travelling on Road 13 North and South, and those bound for theLao-Thai Friendship Bridge are advised to use Dongdok-Nongbeuk and 450 roads.
The Festival Organising Committee is arranging electric shuttle buses to transport visitors and help ease traffic congestion from November 12-14.
Bus tickets will cost 2,500 to 5,000 kip per passenger and bus stops will be located at the That Luang crossroads with services running from 5pm to 11pm.
Source: Vientiane Times
