{"id":4016,"date":"2019-01-05T10:49:26","date_gmt":"2019-01-05T01:49:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.01.asiapress.org\/rimjin-gang\/?p=4016"},"modified":"2019-01-18T14:19:34","modified_gmt":"2019-01-18T05:19:34","slug":"first-traffic-lights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.02.asiapress.org\/rimjin-gang\/2019\/01\/recommendations\/first-traffic-lights\/","title":{"rendered":"\uff1cInside N. Korea\uff1e Residents celebrate as Yanggang Province\u2019s first traffic lights bring a stop to police extortion"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"

(Photo) A traffic officer in blue stands by a checkpoint. Photo taken in South Pyongan Province in January 2011 by Kim Dong-cheol (ASIAPRESS)<\/p><\/div>\n

\u25c6Traffic police labeled \u2018roadside thugs\u2019 and 'caterpillars'<\/h2>\n

In early December, a traffic signal was installed for the first time in Yanggang Province, in the northern region of North Korea. According to our reporting partner, local residents greatly welcomed the change.<\/p>\n

Servicing a population of 200,000 residents, the red, blue, and yellow lights of the signal now direct traffic at the intersection in front of Hyesan Station.<\/p>\n

The new signal\u2019s popularity, however, is not due to the easing of traffic congestion. Instead, it is because the signal has taken away the need for \u2018traffic safety officers\u2019 to stand at the intersection.<\/p>\n

Our reporting partner further explained, \"We call the traffic cops 'caterpillars' and 'road thugs\u2019. They stop cars, motorcycles, and people on bicycles to demand bribes and steal valuables.\"<\/p>\n

The reason traffic officers are called \"caterpillars\" is not just that their uniforms are blue. Like caterpillars eating away at crops, the traffic cops are considered pests- eating away at the finances of those unlucky enough to be stopped by them.<\/p>\n

Our reporting partner went on, \"The \u2018caterpillars\u2019 stop vehicles at intersections for no valid reason, taking gas from the vehicles and forcing drivers to hand over cigarettes or cash. Of North Korea\u2019s various police officers, traffic cops certainly make the most profit. The officers pocket bribes themselves but are also required to collect bribes for the police administration.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to an investigation conducted in November, the monthly salary of a North Korean police officer is only about 3,000 won (about 380 South Korean won). The food distribution system provides officers with just 15 kilograms of rice, with no extra provision for family members. With such low compensation, it is no wonder that police officers rely on bribes and fines to survive.<\/p>\n

Next page: Increased traffic leading to rising accidents and fatalities\u2026 <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"

(Photo) A Pyongyang citizen, arrested by a female traffic officer for riding a bicycle illegally. Photographed in July 2011 by Koo Kwang-ho (ASIAPRESS)<\/p><\/div>\n

\u25c6Increased traffic leading to rising accidents and fatalities<\/h2>\n

For now, there is only one traffic signal in Hyesan, but perhaps there could be more needed in the future. According to a March 2018 report, large trucks frequently pass through the city to nearby copper mines and, as of last year, 35 taxis operate across the city. In addition, Chinese-made motorcycles have become more popular over the last 7 to 8 years, helping transport shoppers and their purchases.<\/p>\n

As Hyesan has become more and more crowded with vehicles, traffic accidents have become an all-too familiar sight to residents. In October of last year, it was reported that a pregnant woman on a bicycle was hit by one of the trucks transporting copper from the mines and died as a result.<\/p>\n

Reports indicate that, while the number of \u2018Caterpillars\u2019 has decreased after the introduction of the traffic signal, mobile checkpoints are on the rise. (Kang Ji-won \/ ISHIMARU Jiro)<\/p>\n

\u203bASIAPRESS contacts partners in North Korea through mobile phones smuggled in from China.<\/p>\n

\n
\uff1cRelated Article\uff1e<\/div>\n