Bangkok delays AI cameras for enforcing new speed limits
For over a month, a revised speed limit has been in place in Bangkok, yet traffic police are awaiting the installation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) security cameras by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to effectively enforce it.
On December 23, the BMA implemented a new speed limit of 60 kilometres per hour (kph) on most city roads, with exceptions for 13 major roads, and set a 50kph limit around the Grand Palace.
The roads exempt from the new speed limit include Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Bang Na-Trat Road, Srinakarin Road, Phahon Yothin Road, Ram Intra Road, Ratchaphruek Road, Baromratchonnanee Road, Kanlapaphruek Road, Rom Klao Road, Suwinthawong Road, Chaengwattana Road, Rama III Road, and Srinakarin-Rom Klao Road.
In contrast, the speed limit on the following ten roads near the Grand Palace is now 50kph, with an added prohibition against honking: Ratchadamnoen Nai Road, Na Phra That Road, Prachan Road, Na Phra Lan Road, Sanam Chai Road, Kalayana Maitri Road, Thai Wang Road, Maha Rat Road, Rachini Road, and Setthakan Road.
According to Police Major General Thawat Wongsanga, deputy chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau in charge of traffic, the measure is intended to decrease accidents and improve road safety. Previously, Bangkok permitted speeds of up to 80kph. He noted that reducing speeds to 50 to 60kph represents a significant challenge for the city.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawat spoke on the need for Bangkok to reduce its city speed limits, noting the high accident rate of the capital.
Top five for road accidents
“In a comparison of 195 countries, Bangkok was among those that had not reduced city speed limits, alongside nations like Rwanda, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, San Marino, Bangladesh, and India. Our city also ranks among the top five globally for road accidents.”
Thus, a law to decrease city speeds is necessary. Higher speeds increase the likelihood of accidents. The World Health Organisation indicates that an increase in average speed correlates directly with the likelihood and severity of crashes.
An increase in mean speed by 1% leads to a 4% rise in fatal crash risk and a 3% increase in serious crash risk. The risk of pedestrian fatalities when hit by a car at 65kph is 4.5 times greater than at 50kph. Collisions between vehicles at 65kph can result in a mortality rate of up to 85%.
However, many remain unconvinced of the benefits of reduced speed limits and oppose the new regulations. Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawat emphasised the importance of enforcement for public safety.
“A speed limit of 50 to 60kph is deemed appropriate for Bangkok, as other countries have adopted even lower thresholds.”
Traffic police plan to utilise AI cameras to capture traffic violations due to insufficient manpower to monitor all roads. Offenders will receive tickets via mail, and motorists are urged to adhere to traffic rules. Nevertheless, enforcement progress is hindered by the delay in AI camera installation, reported Bangkok Post.
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