Statement by Tahsin Becan on the Traffic Problem
Yalova is the smallest province in Turkey in terms of surface area. It is the most problematic city in terms of traffic and transportation.
When we look at Yalova, although it is small in scale, the increase in the number of vehicles brought about by the ever-increasing population density in recent years brings the traffic problem in Yalova to the agenda.
Although the past local governments and the current local government have made many studies and meetings on traffic, issues such as problems, congestion, lack of parking, irregular parking are increasing day by day. The problems have become unsolvable only with the local administrations or the efforts of our Governor, our Police Department, and have come to the point of solving them together with a common mind.
In the center of Yalova, we see car parks that affect the traffic negatively, especially on Istanbul Street, Şehit Ömer Beneficiary Street, Cumhuriyet Street, Fatih Street, Cengiz Koçal Streets. Likewise, the loading and unloading of passengers by public transportation vehicles at places other than stops are also observed as factors that negatively affect the traffic flow.
In the past meetings with the citizens, the biggest demand was stated as clearing the car parks of the main streets and creating new parking lots. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the issue as a whole and not only make central planning, but also make forward-looking plans on the basis of neighborhoods. Although it is said that the car parks are insufficient in number, we have seen many times before that when our state elders come to Yalova for events such as visits, rallies, openings, groundbreaking, there is no car on streets such as Cengiz Koçal Street, Cumhuriyet Street, Fatih Street. streets without parking can be created.
In Yalova, traffic jams and density are experienced until almost midnight, and accidents increase. How will transportation be provided in case of a possible disaster in this city where we experience traffic jams even in normal times? Our city, which had a very painful experience on August 17, 1999, is faced with a very serious problem in terms of transportation in emergency situations.
Since we do not currently have the opportunity to expand our roads, which we call avenue, it is necessary to remove the left and right car parks on these streets and to support the authorities that will take this decision. It is imperative that an alternative and wide road planning be made urgently around the newly built State Hospital. It shows us that the traffic will be intense at the rate of the new police headquarters building and the shopping mall and the existing housing project planned in that area, right next to the Hospital.
As the Yalova Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we are of the opinion that steps should be taken to implement the measures to be taken by the competent authorities after consultation. We think that steps should be taken to impose a parking ban, especially on our main streets. In this direction, we also listen to the demands of our members and expect the relevant parties to find solutions.
Tahsin BECAN
Chairman of the Board
