Officials look to ease congestion
Darbandikhan restricts trucks from busy roads on Fridays amid safety concerns
DARBANDIKHAN — The Darbandikhan Traffic Directorate has announced a ban on large transport trucks traveling roads that lead to popular tourist destinations within the district every Friday, starting May 10. The measure aims to reduce congestion during weekends, when roads typically see a surge in drivers.
“From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m, truck movement on roads leading to resorts is prohibited,” the directorate said in a statement.
The decision anticipates a continued rise in visitor numbers over the coming summer months and aims to prioritize safety for smaller vehicles traveling to scenic locations like Sartaki Bamo, Shameran, and other local attractions.
This move follows a similar directive issued by the Sulaymaniyah Traffic Directorate on April 26 prohibiting trucks on roads in and around Sulaymaniyah city on from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays.
That ban applies to specific areas, including the main Dukan-Sulaymaniyah road and roads leading to tourist sites in Sharazur district.
The Sulaymaniyah Traffic Directorate will enforce all new restrictions through patrols, checkpoints, and collaboration with central district authorities, the statement said. Drivers of heavy vehicles who violate the regulations will face penalties to ensure compliance and road safety.
The new measures are in response to growing concerns over road safety following a recent deadly weekend when separate road accidents in Sulaymaniyah killed two and injured 20 people on a Friday as people headed outdoors to enjoy the spring weather. The first accident involved a truck and at least 17 vehicles, leaving 18 people injured near the entrance to Sulaymaniyah’s Dukan district.