Anai Valley Route Opened This Week, Drivers Are Prohibited From Stopping To Take Photos

West Sumatra (West Sumatra) Regional Police (Polda) strictly prohibits motorists from stopping when crossing along Jalan Lembah Anai, Tanah Datar, local province.

The ban was issued by the police following the discourse on opening the Sumatra Cross road to the public on Sunday, July 21.

"Drivers are strictly prohibited from stopping along the Anai Valley route in order to maintain personal safety and smooth traffic flow," said Traffic Director of the West Sumatra Police, Kombes Pol Dwi Nur Setiawan in Padang, Friday, July 19, confiscated by Antara.

He said the ban was issued not without reason, but because it considered conditions, terrain, and the situation in the local area.

Dwi explained that although the Anai Valley road that connects Padang and Bukittinggi was opened on July 21, the construction of the road has not been completed one hundred percent.

The work on roads that were badly damaged due to being hit by flash floods on May 12 is still ongoing today, even heavy equipment is still operating.

"So we ask motorists not to stop for any unimportant reasons, be it for recording, taking photos, or other interests," he explained.

Dwi said motorists who stopped also have the potential to disrupt the smooth flow that has not yet operated optimally, plus the implementation of open-closes, and narrowing of the road.

"It should be remembered that the flow will be congested, and various types of vehicles will pass through the Anai Valley route when it opens, starting from two wheels to a loaded truck. Therefore, we ask that no one stop on the road," he said.

Dwi said the police would place personnel in the local area to oversee and regulate the smooth flow of traffic.

On the other hand, the West Sumatra Police also appealed to all motorists to pay attention to the condition and feasibility of their respective vehicles when crossing the Anai Valley.

On the other hand, the West Sumatra Police believe the opening of the route in the Anai Valley will automatically reduce the burden in the Sitinjau Lauik and Malalak areas which are alternative routes since the Anai Valley road broke completely.

To note, the Anai Valley route has been completely cut off due to severe damage after being hit by flash floods since May 12.

The closure had to be carried out because the road was damaged, as well as giving time for relevant agencies to carry out repairs.