Kathu Police to crack down on traffic laws

PATONG: Kathu police today warned that, from next Wednesday, they will crack down on road traffic violations in a campaign aimed at reducing the number of deaths and injuries on the district’s roads. Signs in Thai and English have been going up all over the district, and particularly in Patong, warning motorists to follow the Highway Code or face the financial consequences. Police will be fining any motorist found driving without a license, driving an unregistered vehicle, not wearing a seatbelt or stopping in a no-parking zone, as well as motorcyclists not wearing helmets, not securing the helmet strap, or having three or more people to a bike. Pol Lt Col Jaras Jessadawan, Deputy Superintendent of Kathu Police station, told the Gazette today, “Many people are injured because Thais do not respect the law. I believe that if people obeyed the traffic laws, the number of people killed and injured in Phuket would fall. [Good driving by Thais] would also set a good example for foreigners to follow,” said Lt Col Jaras. He also warned that those found violating more than one law will be fined for each offense. “But the fines are not really the main issue,” he added. “The police care about life and property, but no one can help people who won’t help themselves. “Nothing can replace a limb lost in an accident. So please,” he appealed, “obey the traffic laws.” As part of the campaign, Patong police, local residents, workers and students will stage a parade starting at the Duang Jit Resort on Pracha Nukhro Rd at 2 pm, and ending at the soccer field on Thaweewong Rd at 3:30 pm.