Publisher’s blog ground system. People don’t want to give up their cars. It’s as simple as that. And with more and more mega projects being built with the specific purpose of attracting shoppers, sightseers and residents into this central district, there’s no end to the crush. So unless the authorities act, the situation will indeed worsen.
But what can be done?
M
ost often mentioned is a congestion charge, similar to that levied in cities like London, where most vehicles have to pay a fairly hefty fee to enter a certain zone. It’s certainly helped to ease traffic flow in those cities, especially in conjunction with the high cost of parking on public roads. Thailand has the technology to impose such a charge, though critics of the system say the fees would not deter many motorists. Collecting fines could also prove a bureaucratic nightmare. Another suggestion is to allow only vehicles with a certain number or letter on their car registration to enter the central area on specified days. This is far too complicated and probably unworkable. More realistic long-term ideas include a tax on parking spaces in all commercial properties in central Bangkok, such as shopping centres, hotels and office blocks. New office buildings should be allowed to incorporate in their design only minimal parking space for deliveries and emergencies. And much stricter rules and regulations regarding parking on public roads should be imposed and properly enforced. There’s no doubt vehicles massing outside schools and universities to drop off and collect students are another cause of traffic congestion, but this is a delicate issue that can only be solved by offering safe and reliable bus services that parents can trust. Last but not least, a deliberately punitive tax should be imposed on any dwelling within the central zone. This would not only greatly discourage new projects but also encourage them to build them in cheaper areas of the city.
End the mobile madness
W
hen a vehicle suddenly and for no apparent reason reduces it speed on the expressway, it may have nothing to do with engine failure. More likely it’s because the driver is on his or her mobile. Of course, it’s usually impossible to see for sure what they’re up to because the car windows are invariably covered in dark film. Driving any vehicle while on a mobile is extremely dangerous. And that includes motorcyclists who brazenly weave in out of the traffic with one hand on the bike, the other on the phone. Clearly the penalties for offenders are not enough of a deterrent. They should be increased significantly. It’s worth noting that in the UK, there was a 50% drop on drivers caught using their mobiles after
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