Drive-thru systems, allowing people to buy goods or receive services without leaving their cars, have been gaining increasing popularity, as more and more people are reluctant to make direct contact with others amid the COVID-19 scare. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 8 (Korea Bizwire) — The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Monday that it had mapped out a string of measures to ensure the safety of pedestrians around drive-thru stores that will take effect from this month.
Drive-thrus are a common type of take-out service that allow customers to purchase products without leaving their cars.
Under the plan, the drive-thru stores within the city boundary will be mandated to install alarm devices at the entrance and exit point of the driveway, as well as bollards and braille blocks on the sidewalk, aimed at enabling pedestrians to more easily recognize and pay attention to vehicles.
Particularly for the entrance point of the driveway, the drive-through stores will be required to have a standby space (about 6 meters) for up to one vehicle, to ensure that vehicles waiting do not invade the sidewalk.
A temporary stop line will be placed at the exit point to make it easier for drivers to check whether there are pedestrians crossing the road.
At present, a total of 49 drive-thru stores, including those run by McDonald’s Korea, Starbucks Coffee Korea and Lotteria, are operating in Seoul.
For existing stores, each district office will be responsible helping them to observe the safety rules.
When it comes to new stores, the city government plans to mandate their observance by reinforcing the road occupation permit procedure that has been implemented via district offices when new stores are opened.
J. S. Shin (js_shin@koreabizwire.com)
