Solutions to Traffic Jam in Phnom Penh - Exploring Essay

To summarize, there are three key solutions to address the traffic issues in Cambodia: time management, citizen driving behavior, and law enforcement. People should be made aware of this problem, and it’s crucial that we start with ourselves to promote solidarity and bring about positive change in our society. Don’t wait—let’s start obeying traffic laws now.

Currently, traffic congestion is one of the most significant issues in Cambodia, particularly in Phnom Penh. Every day, rows of crowded cars and motorbikes can be seen stuck in traffic. To tackle this problem, several viable solutions can be proposed.

There are three primary factors contributing to the traffic problem in Phnom Penh: time management, citizen driving behavior, and law enforcement. Why is time management an issue? Here are a few solutions: encourage private sectors to invest in school shuttle buses for students at each school, with buses operating according to school schedules (e.g., 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM). This system, particularly for high school and primary school students, could reduce accidents involving young children and decrease the number of parent vehicles during peak hours, alleviating traffic congestion. Additionally, with affordable fees, students would be less likely to skip school, which would also benefit human resource development in Cambodia, especially in Phnom Penh, with the possibility of expanding the initiative to other provinces.

Regarding public transportation, improvements to the bus system can also help. A well-regarded bus system could attract more tourists to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap by offering them a safer, more convenient alternative to private transportation. Tourists wouldn’t have to worry about getting lost, being overcharged, or getting into accidents. Implementing an app that shows nearby buses would allow people to better manage their time and increase the use of public transportation, ultimately reducing the number of vehicles on the road. The size of buses and schedules should also be optimized to avoid high-traffic areas.

Street vendors selling food on busy streets without designated parking areas also contribute to the problem, as people park their vehicles to buy food. We should consider organizing central locations for street food vendors rather than allowing them to operate anywhere.

Finally, law enforcement remains a crucial issue. Although many highways in Phnom Penh have police stationed on standby, there are still some areas where a lack of oversight leads to traffic jams. The government should increase the number of police officers and ensure their presence at all key points in the city. Another issue frequently mentioned is that police lack the authority to fully enforce the law, especially when it comes to a small number of affluent individuals or foreigners who do not respect traffic rules.

Traffic signs and lights are another contributing factor. When drivers can’t see them, they may drive on the wrong side of the road or run red lights. Additionally, markets that occupy public spaces contribute to congestion, so we should be stricter about how market owners use public space for their own benefit. Large restaurants and universities without their own parking should not be allowed to use streetside space meant for pedestrians.

In conclusion, the government must continue to enforce traffic laws and promote them in school curriculums at both the secondary and higher education levels. Although this is a long-term process, it will yield positive outcomes in the near future. Indeed, if we start with ourselves, we can promote solidarity and bring about much-needed change in our society. Don’t wait—start obeying traffic laws today.

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