Seoul City Councilor Song Aryang: "Reckless Designation of Traditional Markets as Senior Protection Zones Should Not Be Allowed"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Song Aryang, Seoul City Council member (Dobong 4, Democratic Party), pointed out on the 16th during the 301st Seoul Metropolitan Council regular session urban transportation office report that "the Seoul Mayor designating traditional markets as Elderly Protection Zones by executive order" is problematic.

Councilor Song said, "While it is understandable to designate areas around traditional markets as Elderly Protection Zones to prevent elderly traffic accidents, traditional markets are used by various citizens including not only elderly people but also market users, merchants, and loading workers." He also stated, "Strengthening parking and stopping enforcement could affect the revitalization of the local economy, which has been depressed due to COVID-19, and may not be included in the flexible parking enforcement relaxation policies implemented during holidays such as Seollal and Chuseok, so it is essential to gather opinions from local residents."

In April, Seoul City announced that due to the high incidence of elderly pedestrian accidents around traditional markets, the Seoul Mayor would designate these areas as Elderly Protection Zones by executive order.

Once designated as an Elderly Protection Zone, vehicle speeds will be limited to 30 km/h, illegal parking fines will double from 40,000 KRW to 80,000 KRW, and traffic safety facilities such as speed enforcement CCTV, speed bumps, and anti-slip pavement will be reinforced.

According to Councilor Song Aryang, among the 352 traditional markets in Seoul, about 76%, or 267 markets, have related organizations such as merchant associations and prosperity associations operating, so it is necessary to consult with the traditional markets before the Seoul Mayor designates them as Elderly Protection Zones by executive order.

Councilor Song Aryang said, "While increasing the designation of Elderly Protection Zones for safety is good, alternatives such as securing nearby public parking lots and creating loading spaces should be implemented simultaneously to increase citizen participation in traffic safety policies. I will play a pioneering role to ensure that local opinions are sufficiently gathered and reflected in future traffic policies."