Phuket police welcome stricter traffic law regulations

PHUKET: Phuket police have voiced their support for the recently announced national clampdown on traffic scofflaws.

Announced by Bangkok’s Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner Adul Narongsak on June 25, the clampdown would mean tougher measures against those who ignored traffic tickets and repeat violators of traffic laws (story here).

Electronic tickets would be issued, allowing police and land transport offices to share information.

“Information at the Land Transport Department’s computer system will be updated constantly. This means the department won’t accept car-tax payment from drivers who do not pay traffic fines,” Maj Gen Adul said.

Drivers who do not pay these taxes risk arrest.

Motorists caught running a red light for the first time would be fined, while those who do it twice within a year would have their driver’s licence suspended for 30 days, said the Land Transport Department’s Deputy Director-General Wattana Patcharachon.

Third-time offenders could lose their licences for 60 to 90 days, and fourth time offenders would have their licences revoked.

“The idea to link traffic law offenders to the Phuket Land Transport Office’s (PLTO) database is a good one,” said Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Peerayuth Karajedee.

“At this stage, I’m not sure how the system will be set up in Phuket, but we will give it our full support once it’s launched.”

Col Peerayuth noted that special provisions would need to be made in Phuket, given the large number of tourists driving rental cars.

“When we set up the system, we will need to have a plan to deal with car rental businesses,” he said.

— Chutharat Plerin