” Higher speeds will improve path health,”
Following common criticism on social media, Bangkok government Chadchart Sittipunt defended the state’s new speed control laws, saying they would increase highway safety and reduce mortality.
Mr Chardchart, accompanied by his deputies, advisers and Sitthiporn Somkidsan, director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s ( BMA ) Office of Transport and Traffic, on Thursday explained the rationale behind the city speed limits at City Hall.
Bangkok, said the chancellor, was one of only 15 locations worldwide that however permitted an 80 km/h rate control, while other countries have adopted lower levels, including the Philippines, which imposes a capital speed limit of 40 km/h.
According to studies on fatality risks from crash impacts, the likelihood of death increases by 20 % when the speed is 60 km/h, and increases by 60 % when the speed is 80 km/h.
Results revealed that most drivers in Bangkok generally drive at an average rate of 50 km/h despite having a frequency limit of 80 km/h.
The new limits, according to Mr. Chadchart, aim to lower road fatalities and enhance safety, noting that they could triple the accident rate. ” Speeding is a main cause of deaths, as seen in the case of Dr Kratai. In future, systems like velocity cameras will be used to maintain traffic laws, related to techniques in other countries”, he said.
He was referring to Dr. Waraluck Supawatjakul, who was struck by a police riding a Ducati scooter at a cross in the Ratchathewi city on January 21, 2022. The policeman appeared unobservant of the crossing, which caused a great uproar.
The government urged drivers to follow traffic regulations or face penalties like having their coverage denied if they are found to get speeding. He added that to reduce injuries and loss, the speed restrictions may be further lowered in particular areas like colleges and private communities.
Published in the Royal Gazette on Monday and taking quick impact, the fresh maximum speed limit of 60 km/h is imposed on most bridges in the money, except main thoroughfares, and 50km/h near the Grand Palace.
The free routes are: 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.
On the following 10 routes close to the Grand Palace, the speed limit is then 50km/h, with an more” no honking of ears” requirement: 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.
Mr. Chadchart noted that the BMA has also taken additional steps to enhance road safety, such as adding more street lights, upgrading more than 1, 000 pedestrian crossings, and addressing risks at 100 accident black spots.
The speed limit initiative is another step toward reducing fatalities, he said, and these efforts have resulted in a 9 % decrease in road accident fatalities in Bangkok, which shows that it is on the right track.
Online, there have been mixed reactions to the new speed limits, with some expressing approval while others expressing sarcasm. Critics suggested installing speed limit signs, not just traffic cameras for fines, to remind motorists.
Others argued that it was also necessary to impose stricter regulations on existing laws, such as those requiring seatbelts and imposing penalties for drunk driving.
Some skeptics wondered how reckless drivers, such as those who run red lights and risk the lives of others, could be a part of the new speed limits.
All parties involved in the new speed limits, according to Pol Maj Gen Thawat Wongsanga, deputy chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau in charge of traffic, as a requirement for better traffic discipline and road safety.