A majority of people disagree with a proposal to impose heavier penalties on people driving without a licence or with an expired licence, saying the proposed penalties are too high and unlikely to help reduce road accidents, according to an opinion survey conducted by the National Institute for Development Administration, or Nida Poll.
The poll was carried out on Aug 27-28 on 1,251 people aged 15 and over of various levels of education and occupations throughout the country to compile their opinions on mooted heavier penalties for drivers not holding a valid licence.
The Department of Land Transport wants to amend the traffic law to impose a jail term not exceeding three months and a fine not exceeding 50,000 baht on people driving without a driving licence or with an expired driving licence.
Drivers who possess a valid license but are found not carrying it would be liable to a fine of not more than 10,000 baht.
Asked for their opinion on the proposed higher penalties for driving without a licence or with an expired licence, 71.54% disagreed with the proposal; 28.30% agreed with it; and 0.16% were uncertain or had no comment.
As for the proposed heavier fine for not carrying a driving licence while driving, 67.47% disagreed, 32.05% agreed and 0.48% were uncertain or had no comment.
Those who disagreed said the proposed fines were too high and would not help reduce road accidents, saying the increased penalties would not address the root causes of the problem.
Asked to name traffic violations that should be liable to heavier penalties, 66.43% cited drink-driving; 11.11% running a red right; 10.23% driving over the speed limit; 3.12% turning or switching lanes without signalling; and 2.16% obstructing traffic. Other violations mentioned were driving on pavements and overtaking on the left without due cause.