Traffic Jams Worsening in Israel Due to Rising Car Numbers
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Automotive journalist Boaz Korpal warned that traffic jams in Israel are worsening due to a significant increase in vehicles and insufficient infrastructure development. He noted that new drivers and a booming car market, with millions of used and new car transactions annually, are exacerbating the problem. Korpal criticized the government's slow response, stating that infrastructure improvements are not keeping pace with the growing number of cars on the road.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Traffic jams in Israel are worsening due to more cars and lagging infrastructure, according to journalist Boaz Korpal.
- New drivers, numbering around 600,000-700,000 annually, are a major factor in the increased vehicle count.
- Israel sees about one million used car transactions and 300,000 new car registrations each year.
- Infrastructure development, including new lanes and public transport, is not keeping pace with the rising number of vehicles.
- Korpal criticized the lack of a government steering committee to address traffic congestion and public transport.
Automotive journalist Boaz Korpal stated on 103fm radio that traffic congestion in Israel is worsening due to a rapid increase in the number of vehicles, more driving, and lagging infrastructure development. Korpal described the situation as dire, noting that drivers now encounter traffic jams almost immediately after leaving their homes, "You meet the traffic jam already in the elevator." He attributed the surge in vehicles to several factors, including the addition of new drivers each year, correlating with the approximately 600,000 to 700,000 new voters turning 18 who also obtain driver's licenses. Korpal suggested that even if only half of these new drivers obtain licenses and a significant portion purchase used cars due to cost, it still contributes to the growing number of vehicles. The local car market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with about one million used car transactions annually and a record number of approximately 300,000 new cars hitting the roads each year. However, the state's response and infrastructure development are not keeping pace. Korpal expressed disappointment that a steering committee has not been formed to present a plan to the transportation minister for addressing the traffic issue and developing public transportation. While new lanes, railways, and bus lanes are being built, Korpal observed that the rate at which vehicles are added to the roads outpaces infrastructure improvements.
