Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2013 11:29:28 GMT 7
Old car ban in Bangkok was just an idea : deputy city police chief
Mayuree Sukyingcharoenwong
The Nation October 9, 2013 1:00 am
The incident that spurred calls to take as many old vehicles as possible off Bangkok's roads took place just a few days ago.
"The other day, two old vehicles broke down on the Rama II Road causing a long tailback," Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) deputy commissioner Maj-General Adul Narongsak said yesterday.
He said the malfunctioning vehicles were more than 10 years old.
"It's hard to ease traffic congestion in that situation. Tow trucks found it difficult to reach the cars that broke down on the heavily congested road," Adul said.
The MPB has suggested tax measures be used to discourage Bangkok motorists from using vehicles more than a decade old.
This idea got mixed reactions, including angry outbursts, after it became news.
Willing to consider public opinion
Adul insisted yesterday that the proposal intended to improve traffic flow in the capital, which is infamous for its congested roads.
He explained that it was just an idea, not yet a proposal.
"We will have to hold seminars and discuss the issue with relevant government agencies and the private sector before developing this idea into a proposal for the government to consider," he said.
Adul said there are about 7 million cars and motorcycles in Bangkok, or 30 to 40 per cent are more than 10 years old.
However, he said the police bureau would start being very strict about vehicles parking in unauthorised zones on Bangkok's 10 main roads very soon.
"From October 10, we will issue warnings. From October 20, we will strictly have vehicles that have broken rules towed to police stations and their owners will have to pay both a fine and the towing fee."
The 10 roads are: Lat Phrao, Rama IV, Sukhumvit, Ratchadaphisek, Phaholyothin, North - South Sathon, New Phetchaburi, Ramkhamhaeng, Rajdamnoen Klang, and a portion of Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road.