What is One Way and Contra Flow? Know the Differences Here!

Traffic congestion is a classic problem that is still being addressed by the Indonesian Traffic Police. Therefore, a one-way and contra flow system was created to tackle this issue. So what is the difference between these two systems? For more details, please pay attention to the following review.

What is the One Way System?

One way is a system implemented to engineer traffic by converting a two-way lane into a one-way lane. This system is designed to increase road capacity to reduce congestion.

For example, during the Christmas and New Year holidays in 2022, to address congestion around the Cikampek toll exit gate towards the Kalikangkung toll gate at kilometer 414, the Traffic Police implemented a one-way system for several hours until traffic in the area was deemed conducive.

This rule is specifically for vehicles exiting the Cikampek toll exit gate. Meanwhile, other vehicles are directed to other toll roads or non-toll routes.

What is the Contra Flow System?

The contra flow system itself is a system to reduce congestion on certain road segments. It works by reversing the flow instead of closing one of the traffic flows.

Differences Between the One Way System and the Contra Flow System

Here are the differences you need to know between these two traffic congestion prevention systems.

1. Closure of a traffic flow

In the one way system, the Traffic Police will completely close the traffic flow and change the direction of the road so that vehicles must pass through a designated flow.

Meanwhile, in the contra flow system, the traffic flow is not completely closed, but only partially closed. This way, drivers can traverse the road normally, except that one lane is made to flow in the opposite direction.

2. Use of road lanes

The use of road lanes in the one way system is intentionally made one-way to prevent worsening congestion. In contrast, the contra flow system does not change the two-way lane into a one-way lane.

Instead, it only closes one of the lanes to open a new lane in the opposite direction. This way, vehicles can traverse the road normally.

3. Implementation time

The one way system is usually implemented at certain times and is prepared by the Traffic Police. Before the implementation of this system, the police usually observe the road conditions for the past few weeks.

This system is typically used during the year-end and new year holidays, or during the Eid homecoming. Meanwhile, the contra flow system is usually implemented suddenly depending on the situation and road conditions. This system is typically used temporarily, or for a few hours, for example during rush hour.

After reading the review above, you now know the difference between one way and contra flow. These systems are intentionally created to assist you and other drivers when caught in traffic congestion. Congested roads can indeed reduce your comfort while driving.

Especially if you are using a manual transmission car. Of course, you will feel tired and sore from frequently pressing the clutch pedal in quick succession. Therefore, you need to check information about the road route before you travel.

Additionally, you should also check the condition of your car, whether your engine performance is stable or sluggish. If you feel that your car's engine is heavy, visit a Daihatsu dealer or the nearest professional workshop immediately.