The new restrictions on truck travel on Israel’s Highway 1, the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv Highway, begin today, December 1st. the new regulations will be in effect for a six-month trial period. the restriction applies to trucks above 12 tons.

On Sundays through Thursdays, from 6:30am-9:30am, trucks will be banned in the direction of the capital from Shar Haggai, a move ordered by Minister of Transportation Yisrael Katz, intended to significantly reduce the bumper-to-bumper traffic that has become a daily occurrence in addition to hopefully reducing air pollution in the area.

During these hours, trucks will be permitted to use Highway 443, the Jerusalem-Modi’in-Tel Aviv route, beginning from the Ben-Shemen Interchange to Route 404 to the capital, entering from Sderot Begin northbound. A parking area/truck stop has been designated in Latrun to assist the truckers.

Police report they will be out in force to ensure truckers comply with the new restrictions, as well as restrictions on trucks passing other vehicles on Highway 443 during the hours of 6:00am-10:00pm in accordance to new signs recently posted on that route.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)