## (2) Traffic Measures

## 1 ) Securing Emergency Traffic Routes and Issuance of Authorization Seals for Emergency Traffic Vehicles

On the day after the earthquake, sections of the Tohoku Expressway and other routes were designated as emergency traffic routes in accordance with the Basic Act on Disaster Control Measures. Subsequently, in order to minimize the impact of traffic restrictions on citizens' lives, areas with traffic restrictions were gradually reduced depending on the state of repair of the roads, and other factors. On March 24, 2011, all traffic restrictions on major highways were lifted.

In addition, along with the designation of emergency traffic routes, authorization seals required for the passage of vehicles for taking disaster control measures (hereinafter referred to as “emergency traffic vehicles”) were issued. Although priority was initially given to vehicles engaging in public disaster emergency measures and providing support for the transportation of government issued emergency supplies, issuance was flexibly expanded to include more vehicles in view of the progress of road repairs and other factors. Efforts were also made to facilitate swift issuance through simplified procedures.

## 2 ) Measures for Non-operational Traffic Lights

As many traffic lights became non-operational due to damage from the earthquake and the implementation of planned power outages, the police proceeded with traffic light restoration work while controlling traffic using hand signals and other methods to ensure the safety and smooth flow of traffic.

## Main Issues for Review on Traffic Measures

- Formulation of wide-area traffic restriction plans according to the type of large-scale disaster, as some time was required to establish an understanding of road damage status and to coordinate check-point manning systems in the process of designating emergency traffic routes and lifting such restrictions.

- Revision of advance notification systems for emergency traffic vehicles and reorganization of how traffic restrictions should be applied.

- Advance installation of additional power supply devices to serve as back-up power supply systems to prevent cessation of traffic light function due to power outages during disasters.

## (3) Communications Command

As police in the three affected prefectures were inundated with various emergency 110 calls calling for rescue or to confirm safety and other matters as well as increased police radio reports from officers engaged in activities at disaster sites immediately after the earthquake, the situation was handled by utilizing all Communications Command Division officers and additional support officers from other divisions to enhance response structures.

## Main Issues for Review on Communications Command

- Increasing the number of officers handling communications command operations when large-scale disasters occur as the number of emergency 110 calls and radio communications increase during disasters.

- Repeatedly communicating specific information such as estimated landfall time of tsunamis to officers engaged at disaster sites providing evacuation guidance and other services to residents.

## (4) Operation of Police Aircraft

Police in the three affected prefectures operated police aircraft (helicopters) immediately after the earthquake in order to grasp the situation such as the status of damage, and announce evacuation information while utilizing the helicopter television system to transmit real-time information on the status of the affected areas to the NPA, the Prime Minister’s Official Residence, and the disaster security headquarters of the police in the three affected prefectures and relevant organizations. In addition, the units also conducted search and rescue of isolated victims, search activities, transportation of victims, the transportation of daily essentials and other tasks.

## Main Issues for Review on the Operation of Police Aircraft

- Implementation of continuous training so that smooth rescue operations and transportation of supplies can be conducted under any condition.

- Coordination with related agencies in order to prevent collisions and ensure the safety of aircraft activities as numerous aircraft other than police aircrafts are sent to the affected areas from the Self-Defense Forces, the Fire Department, the Japan Coast Guard, and other agencies.

## (5) Police Info-Communications

## 1 ) Measures to Maintain Police Communication Facility Function/Power Supply

The earthquake disrupted the dedicated lines of the telecommunications companies and many police communication facilities were also damaged, creating a situation in which necessary info-communications could be disrupted. Consequently, police maintained necessary info-communications