A government transport agency has proposed that traffic congestion in Bangkok could be eased by changing people's working hours.
Traffic on Rama IV road is normally heavy during working hours. (Photo by Patipat Janthong)
"Traffic in Bangkok is moving at slower average speeds, around 18 to 19 kph in the morning and 24 to 23kph in the evening," Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning chief Chula Sukmanop said on Wednesday.
Mr Chula said there were then 1,200 more cars being registered each day in the city. They could not move quickly because of the many bottlenecks on various routes, including Phahon Yothin, Phetchaburi and Phetkasem roads, he said.
His agency will next week ask the Office of the Commission for the Management of Land Traffic, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung, to consider changing the working hours of people in the capital city.
"We'll ask for cooperation from schools and private companies, to change their opening hours. We might try this on Kiak Kai and Samsen roads because there are many schools there," Mr Chula said.
He said some state agencies had already trialed the idea, but admitted the outcome was not as good as expected.
The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning will also ask police to consider relocating certain U-turns and bus stops to ensure a smoother flow of traffic, he said.