The Addis Ababa Traffic Management Authority announced that unusual traffic congestion and flow disruptions are being observed across the city following the reopening of schools.
To tackle traffic bottlenecks around school zones for the new academic year, the institution has finalized strict regulatory frameworks and preparatory measures.
According to the authority, double-parking any vehicle on main roads during school arrival and dismissal hours is strictly prohibited and will incur penalties.
While parents are permitted to briefly stop vehicles roadside for seconds to drop off students, parking in the area for minutes or leaving a parked vehicle is entirely outlawed, carrying a strict 1,000 Birr fine.
To sustainably mitigate the congestion scale, agreements have been reached with schools for students to commute via school transport services rather than private vehicles.
Furthermore, arrangements have been made to utilize alternative side streets for entry and exit, while drivers are urged to adopt "Park, Drop, and Drive" practices to swiftly hand over students to teachers and assistants.
Meanwhile, Amare Tarekegn, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Road Safety Awareness and Control at the authority, stated that comprehensive preparations have been finalized across central and branch offices to prevent recurring traffic complications with the launch of the 2019 academic year.
Noting that heavy traffic congestion typically peaks around school zones following the winter months, the deputy head explained that extensive measures have been put in place to counter the issue.
Designated student traffic assistants are deployed in advance at high-risk schools to manage students, alongside supplementary control experts and volunteer traffic coordinators.
The authority noted that it has historically trained and deployed 500 to 1000 volunteer students annually to assist with traffic management, and these volunteers will provide additional support around schools this year.
Engineering interventions have also been executed, including sign installations, pedestrian walkway renovations, and zebra crossing repainting.
Additionally, public transport and school buses operating near schools will be prioritized and coordinated, while strict enforcement will target offenses such as cutting lines and overloading or unloading passengers in violation of Regulation 557/2016, Tier 2, and Article 4.
The authority reaffirmed its commitment to continuing rigorous oversight and awareness campaigns in collaboration with school leadership, parent committees, and other stakeholders.
