Don’t drive at G-20, please

To prevent gridlock in Seoul during the G-20 Summit, the government is imploring city residents to keep cars in their parking spaces.

To get half the cars off the roads during the two-day affair, the government wants drivers with even-numbered plates to stay off the road on Nov. 11, the first day of the summit. On the following day, it wants odd-numbered plates to stay at home.

“The use of cars is discouraged with thoughtful consideration for guests from all over the world,” Vice Minister for Transport, Logistics and Maritime Affairs Kim Hee-guk said.

Compliance is voluntary.

To make sure public transport isn’t overwhelmed, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will run about 400 extra intracity buses in Seoul and 200 more intercity buses connecting Seoul and Gyeonggi. Seoul will deploy 58 extra subway cars for its nine lines within city limits, and 30 extra cars for lines leading to other metropolitan areas.

Public servants in Seoul and students in Dongjak, Seocho, Songpa and Gangnam Districts are encouraged to sleep-in next Thursday and Friday to keep public transport from jamming up. They should, however, get to their offices or schools by 10:00 a.m.

By Yoo Sun-young [enational@joongang.co.kr]