38 texting drivers fined on Day 1

38 texting drivers fined on Day 1

Bangkok traffic police said they fined 38 drivers for text messaging Tuesday, the first day of a campaign targeting motorists using mobile phones while driving.

A Khlong Tan police officer shows a photo he took of a taxi driver who chats on his cell phone while driving, an offence punishable by a fine of 400-1000 baht. (Photo by Somchai Poomlard)

The 38 were caught reading or typing messages on their phones or talking without hands-free devices. They were spotted at eight major intersections during morning hours. The number of offenders is expected to exceed 100 by the end of the day, deputy Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Adul Narongsak said.

The eight intersections are Ratchayothin, Asok, Ratchaprasong, Sam Yan, Sathon-Surasak, Krung Thon (Sang Hee) bridge, Bang Lamphu and Prachanukul.

Of the 38, the highest number of arrests were reported at Bang Lamphu and Ratchayothin intersections with eight offenders each, followed by Krung Thon (Sang Hee) bridge and Ratchaprasong with six each.

"There were no problems or arguments between officers and offenders because the motorists were photographed while breaching traffic law and police approached them in a polite manner," Pol Maj Gen Adul said. "All admitted to their offences and each faced a minimum fine of 400 baht."

The maximum fine for using mobile phones behind the wheel is 1,000 baht

Pol Maj Gen Adul said the recent strict implementation of five other traffic measures had improved traffic flow and it was estimated that commuters spent about 20-30 minutes less on the road.

The five other offenses being targeted are stopping beyond crossing lines, driving the wrong direction, overtaking cars in prohibited areas, blocking intersection and using  fake licence plates.

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