Weasel words over a protective fence for countermeasures…The appalling and dangerous behavior of “drifting spectators” visiting the Metropolitan Expressway’s Daikoku Parking Area
Automotive journalist Kumiko Kato points out... Suggestions for the "dangerous galleries" who watch illegal driving in the Daikoku Parking Area.
The Daikoku Parking Area (Daikoku PA), a rest facility on the Metropolitan Expressway, opened in August 1989 with the opening of the Metropolitan Expressway No. 5 Daikoku Line and the Yokohama Bay Bridge. It is accessible from both the westbound and eastbound directions of the Bayshore Route, making it an easy location to gather from both the Chiba and Kanagawa directions.’ With the opening of the Metropolitan Expressway K7 Northwest Route in 2008, it has become easier to use from the Tomei Expressway. It has been reported in the foreign media and is one of the “sacred places for car lovers” both in Japan and abroad.
At the same time, however, a major problem has arisen. As this magazine has reported in the past, illegal drifting on the public roads around Daikoku PA has become a social problem.
Drifting itself is a type of motorsports competition recognized by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) and is popular all over the world. However, it goes without saying that drifting on public roads is extremely dangerous. Although the police frequently enforce drifting regulations in the vicinity of the Daikoku PA, many “drifters” still gather there late at night on weekends.
Furthermore, at Daikoku PA, there has long been a spot where this illegal driving can be seen from a distance. The “observation deck” located up the stairs next to the food court offers a good view of drifting on the roads around the Daikoku PA.
No measures had been taken for this drift viewing. However, in early December of last year, a fence was suddenly installed (see photo above). The fence was added to the existing block wall to prevent illegal drifting.
However, the fence was met with criticism.
However, in response to the installation of the fence, posts such as “Thank you, Kanagawa Prefectural Police, for making it easier to see the drifters.
However, in response to the installation of the fence, posts such as “Thank you Kanagawa Prefectural Police for making it easier to see drifters” began to appear on social networking sites. What is this all about?
