The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department will conduct a disaster preparedness drill simulating a major earthquake on September 1.
On the day of the exercise, in addition to conducting hand-signal training by police officers (at 97 locations) based on the assumption that traffic lights will be out, the exercise will include prohibiting traffic from Ring Road No. 7 heading toward the city center (at 21 locations) and conducting training to secure emergency vehicle-only lanes and emergency traffic routes where only emergency vehicles are permitted (at 68 locations).
Although hand signal training varies by intersection, it generally lasts about 30 minutes between 9:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., while traffic restrictions and the designation of dedicated lanes are uniformly implemented for about 10 minutes starting at 10:00 a.m.
Each location has published its own list, and they note that traffic congestion is expected on surrounding roads while the restrictions are in effect.
© Source travel watch