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Neden Dorje
TASHIGON — Stopping your car in front of a shop in Tashigaon town with your hazard lights on will soon draw the attention of traffic police, who will use a shrill whistle to remind you to follow the rules.
The new lane markings are similar to those on highways to indicate no-parking zones, but the move by the Tsongkhapa municipality and police has faced criticism from residents and drivers since its implementation.
Residents and customers in Trashigang are unhappy with the town’s strict parking policy, especially when stopping to shop, even for a few minutes. Many believe the new rules, enforced by the Dzongkhag Autonomous Municipality and police, make it difficult to park even when there are no other vehicles around.
“We have to park far away from the shops, which makes it difficult for us to buy things,” said driver Kinzang Wangchuk. “Even in big cities, we can park for a few minutes with the hazard lights on. Why is this rule enforced in a small town like Trashigang?”
Business owners like Galay Wangchuk are also feeling the impact. “Unlike before, cars can no longer park with parking lights on for a few minutes while customers shop. This not only affects our business but also hoteliers,” he noted.
Despite calls for allowing short-term parking, the traffic police remain firm in their stance.
Another business owner, Kelzang Choden, echoed the concerns, saying the restrictions hurt both hotels and shops. “The number of customers has decreased. Some people don’t stop when they pass by here, so shop owners can hardly make any money.”
Hotel owner Suonan Yangchen has similar concerns. “Customers don’t even have time to eat or drink because the traffic police force them to leave. If this rule continues, it will be difficult to make enough money to pay the rent.”
The policy affects all 21 business entities in the lower town of Trashigang, including seven hotels. Residents also criticized the city government for a lack of communication.
“In the meeting, the police, Bhutan Transport and Construction Authority and municipal officials decided to implement the restrictions, but it would be better if they only allowed customers’ vehicles to park in front of the shops,” a resident pointed out.
Another resident, Phuntsho, complained that customers cannot even stop briefly to buy Doma or they will be whistled by traffic police. “Trashigang town does not have much traffic and this road is not a highway. We feel that customers should be allowed to stop for a few minutes.”
In response, the traffic police department explained that this measure was taken to simplify traffic and enhance traffic safety.
“It is not safe for commuters when vehicles are parked on the roadside. If someone crosses the road behind a parked car, there is a risk of being hit,” said a traffic official, adding that long parking periods lead to traffic jams and increase risks.
Sonam Dorji, a municipal representative, admitted that enforcing traffic rules in a small town like Trashigaon was challenging.
“I understand how this affects businesses, but there’s nothing we can do once the rules are in place,” he said, suggesting allowing a few extra minutes for parking might be a better approach.
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