Korea Racing Authority Implements Odd-Even Vehicle Restriction on Weekends; Chairman Commutes by Bicycle and Cancels Overseas Trip

Public Institutions Take the Lead in Energy Conservation
Enhanced On-Site Inspections and Step-by-Step Sanctions for Violations

Korea Racing Authority is expanding the odd-even vehicle restriction system to all business sites, including weekends, as part of efforts to respond to the resource security crisis triggered by the Middle East war. Woo Heejong, Chairman of Korea Racing Authority, commutes to work by bicycle and has canceled his business trip to the United States, encouraging employees to participate in energy-saving initiatives.

The Korea Racing Authority announced on April 10 that, starting April 8, it has fully implemented the odd-even vehicle restriction system for employees’ passenger cars at all its business sites in response to the government's declaration of a ‘caution’ level for the resource security crisis.

Woo Heejong, chairman of the Korea Racing Authority, commutes to work by bicycle. Korea Racing Authority

An official from the Korea Racing Authority explained, "This measure follows the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment's mandatory enforcement of the odd-even passenger car restriction for public institutions after the oil security crisis alert was issued. Vehicles with odd-numbered license plates are allowed to commute only on odd-numbered days, and vehicles with even-numbered plates can commute only on even-numbered days. Electric vehicles, hydrogen vehicles, and vehicles for persons with disabilities or pregnant women are exempt from the restriction."

In particular, despite the government's policy applying only to weekdays (Monday through Friday), the Korea Racing Authority has expanded the scope to include all working days, including weekends (Saturday and Sunday), taking into account the organization’s unique characteristic of operating on weekends due to horse racing events. The Authority stated that this reflects the institution’s strong commitment to energy conservation at the organizational level.

Inspections are carried out at all business site entrances from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM. For violations, a step-by-step sanction system is in place: verbal guidance for the first offense, parking lot access restriction and notification to the head of the institution for the second offense, and disciplinary action for three or more violations.

Additionally, the Authority plans to enhance convenience for employees by promoting flexible work arrangements and expanding commuter bus operations. It will also actively foster an energy-saving atmosphere through corporate intranet pop-ups, electronic display boards, and announcements.

Chairman Woo is leading by example by commuting by bicycle, encouraging voluntary participation from employees in energy-saving efforts. He has also canceled his planned visit to the Kentucky Derby in the United States, which was scheduled for early May. Chairman Woo stated, "In the face of a serious resource security crisis, public institutions must demonstrate responsible leadership. Believing that small actions can lead to significant changes, I will work together with our employees to actively participate in energy conservation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.