City police will crack down on illegal parking on Rama IV Road in a fresh bid to solve traffic congestion in Bangkok.
The latest inspection by authorities, including Transport Minister Chadchat Sittipunt, found many taxis, tuk tuk three-wheel taxis, passenger vans and buses park carelessly in a way that hinder traffic flow on the left lanes of Rama IV Road.
Metropolitan Police Bureau deputy chief Worasak Nopsithiporn, who oversees city traffic, said the most troubling section of the road is in Klong Toey district, running from the Lumpini boxing stadium to the Rama IV expressway entrance.
Officers have been told to get tough on lawbreakers by issuing tickets and seizing their driving licences, Pol Maj Gen Worasak said. Mr Chadchat is overseeing moves to tighten traffic laws to solve traffic snarls in Bangkok and neighbouring provinces.
The crowded Rama IV Road, which links Hua Lamphong railway station and the Kluai Nam Thai area, is the first target.
Authorities will further inspect Rama IX, Din Daeng and Ramkhamhaeng roads, Pol Maj Gen Worasak said.
More speed cameras and between 60 and 70 CCTV cameras will be installed on roads to help the Traffic Police Division monitor traffic conditions, deputy permanent secretary for transport Thiraphong Rotprasoet said.
He said authorities are also changing traffic laws to impose more penalties on violators who repeatedly commit mistakes, including parking illegally and jumping lights.