Traffic Jams in Ubud Are Becoming More Severe than in Kuta or Canggu
Traffic jams in Ubud have recently become an even more serious problem than in Kuta or Canggu. The issue lies in the fact that the area was not designed to handle the current influx of tourists. Ubud's narrow, mostly single-lane streets cannot be widened, according to local authorities. There is currently no plan to build new routes either. However, there are other ideas aimed at solving this problem, such as restricting entry into the town, changing traffic rules, and cracking down on those who park on the roadsides.
Regarding parking, the Ubud police have recently been conducting raids where officers either issue fines to those parked on the roadside, tow away vehicles, or, in some cases, deflate tires.
The most recent raid targeted three streets: Jl. Hanoman, Jl. Dewisita, and Jl. Kajeng. These streets were chosen because they typically see the highest concentration of bikes and cars, meaning that even one improperly parked vehicle can cause significant congestion. Additionally, these streets have the most pedestrian traffic.
In just a few hours, police issued three fines, towed away one bike, and deflated the tires of 11 bikes and three cars. The criteria for choosing the type of punishment for illegal parking were not disclosed.
"We appreciate those who have begun to understand the importance of avoiding chaotic parking to ensure smooth traffic flow in Ubud. Moving forward, we will maintain consistent control over this," stated the press release.
Local residents have responded positively to the police's efforts and their call for greater attention to the rules.
"We appreciate and support the police's actions to combat illegal parking in Ubud. Orderly streets will enhance comfort for both tourists and locals," said a representative of the local community.
To avoid problems with illegal parking, several authorized parking areas have been designated in Ubud. These include parking at the Monkey Forest, Batu Karu Temple, and Lapangan Astina Ubud field. Bikes can also be parked in designated bays on one-way streets. However, tourists must ensure their vehicles are properly positioned on the roadside and within the marked lines.
Regarding the restriction on vehicle entry into Ubud, this new measure, according to the head of the Gianyar transportation department, I Made Arianta, requires careful planning. He also mentioned that the proposal has already been developed, but its implementation will first require organizing parking areas outside the village and launching shuttles to transport tourists.
Among the places that could become such parking areas are the square at Pura Taman Pule Mas Ubud, the area at Banjar Ambengan, Pura Dalem Suargan, and Singakerta.
It has not yet been specified which types of vehicles will be banned from entering Ubud. However, as I Made Arianta said, if it only affects trucks, the situation will not change significantly. Currently, the main traffic consists of tourist vehicles.
To bring this idea to life, the regency government is currently developing master plans to prepare the land. The last issue to be addressed will be the allocation of funds for the construction of parking facilities.
Another way to relieve Ubud of traffic jams is by reorganizing traffic flow. For example, Jl. Tirta Tawar street is now one-way.
Another change will be in effect from July 8 to 24 on Jl. Sri Wedari and Jl. Suweta, where vehicles will be prohibited from entering from the north. Police also remind that parking on the roadside is prohibited on these streets.
"The goal is to reduce traffic congestion in Ubud for the common good. We hope that all road users and the local community can work together to support our program," concluded the head of the Gianyar transportation department, I Made Arianta.
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