China National Day holiday road traffic stable as return peak nears
In short
On the fourth day of the National Day holiday, traffic on China's main highways stayed at high volumes but was generally stable and orderly as of 18:00, according to the Ministry of Public Security's traffic management bureau, as reported by Jiemian. With the holiday entering its second half, heavier traffic is expected around some cities and scenic areas, and the Central Meteorological Observatory forecast heavy to torrential rain in parts of Jilin, Fujian, Yunnan and Hainan, which the bureau said would hurt return travel. Drivers were advised to plan ahead, avoid peak hours and bad weather, and avoid fatigue, distraction and speeding.
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On October 4, the fourth day of China's National Day holiday, traffic volumes on the country's main highways remained at a high level, and as of 18:00 road traffic nationwide was overall stable and orderly, Jiemian reported, citing the Ministry of Public Security's traffic management bureau. Traffic management departments at all levels continued order control, congestion relief and publicity work during the holiday, the report said. Xinhua also reported that road traffic was stable on the fourth day of the holiday. [ 1 , 2 ]
With the holiday entering its second half, traffic around some cities and scenic areas is expected to be heavier, according to Jiemian. The Central Meteorological Observatory forecast heavy to torrential rain in parts of Jilin, Fujian, Yunnan and Hainan, which the report said would have an adverse effect on return travel. [ 2 ]
The traffic management bureau advised drivers that the return peak is approaching and that they should plan their trips in advance and try to avoid travel peaks and severe weather. It said drivers should get enough rest and avoid fatigue, distraction and speeding, that all occupants should wear seat belts throughout the journey, and that drivers should watch the road, slow down and keep a larger distance on sharp bends, steep slopes and sections near water or cliffs. [ 2 ]
Why it matters
The National Day holiday is a mass travel period, so the state of the road network and the expected return peak affect large numbers of travellers. The forecast rain in four provinces, cited by the traffic bureau, could complicate return journeys, which is why the bureau issued advance planning and driving advice.
Key facts
- 10 October 4 was the fourth day of the National Day holiday [ 2 ]
- Traffic on main national highways remained at high volumes, according to Jiemian, citing the Ministry of Public Security traffic management bureau [ 2 ]
- As of 18:00, road traffic nationwide was generally stable and orderly [ 2 ]
- Traffic management departments continued order control, congestion relief and publicity work over the holiday [ 2 ]
- The Central Meteorological Observatory forecast heavy to torrential rain in parts of Jilin, Fujian, Yunnan and Hainan, which the bureau said would adversely affect return travel [ 2 ]
- The bureau advised drivers to plan trips early, avoid peak travel and severe weather, rest adequately and avoid fatigue, distraction and speeding [ 2 ]
- Xinhua reported that road traffic was stable on the fourth day of the holiday [ 1 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- No traffic volume figures, accident numbers or specific affected locations were given Both documents describe conditions only in general terms and provide no data or named places
- The exact scope of any disruption from the forecast rain is not stated The documents only say heavy rain is expected in parts of four provinces and that it would be unfavourable for return travel
- As of 18:00, nationwide road traffic was overall stable and orderly, per the Ministry of Public Security traffic management bureau Reported by a single source so far
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Nationwide road traffic was overall stable and orderly, according to the traffic management bureau as cited by Jiemian [ 2 ]
- Xinhua publishes a brief report that road traffic was stable on the holiday's fourth day [ 1 ]
- Jiemian publishes its report citing the traffic management bureau, including the return-travel outlook and weather warning [ 2 ]