Holiday traffic expected to hit new high in Wuhan

Traffic will be heavy during the coming Labor Day holiday and will reach new highs in Hubei province from May 1 to 5, the local transportation authority estimated on Tuesday.

Because of stimulation policies such as free highway passes and free entry to tourist attractions, traffic flow during the five-day-holiday is expected to reach 14.25 million vehicles, with about 2.86 million on the highway daily. The figures represent 10 percent growth year-on-year but are still lower than in 2019.

Under current coronavirus prevention and control policies, more people are choosing to drive themselves instead of using public transportation.

Outbound traffic in Wuhan, the provincial capital, with a total population over 10 million, is expected to get heavier starting between 4 pm and 6 pm on Friday.

Transportation authorities in Hubei said they will strengthen their surveillance of the roads and be prepared for emergencies.