A majority of people do not think heavier penalties imposed on traffic law violators will make much impact on traffic gridlock in Bangkok and do not expect the government to be able to solve the problem, according to an opinion survey conducted by the Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, or Suan Dusit Poll.
The poll was conducted on Aug 22-25 on 1,132 people throughout the country to compile their opinions on the government's move to amend traffic-related laws to impose heavier penalties on traffic law violators - especially those do not have a driving licence, or those who have one but do not carry it while driving.
A slight majority - 53.71% - said heavier penalties are unlikely to fix the capital city's traffic gridlock as the problem has long existed and is due to many factors, including poor public transport that encourages commuters to use private vehicles; 23.41% believe heavier penalties would cause motorists to drive more carefully, leading to fewer traffic law violations and accidents; and 22.88% were uncertain.
Asked whether they think the government has any way to solve the traffic problem in Bangkok and nearby provinces, a majority - 55.03% - said 'No', reasoning that Thai people do not respect the law and existing public transport is insufficient to meet the people's demand; 22.97% said they are not certain as they do not yet know about the government's plan to solve the problem in detail; and 22.00% said they expect the government, with absolute power in hand, will be successful.
Asked whether the government's move to solve the traffic problem is connected to politics and intended to win support ahead of a general election tentatively set for early next year, 40.64% are uncertain; 31.45% do not think so, saying that solving the traffic problem is the government's responsibility; and 27.91% said it may be connected to politics, reasoning that the government may want to show an achievement.