Dept targets GPS to curb road carnage

Dept targets GPS to curb road carnage

Drivers who speed face monitoring

Transport Minster Saksayam Chidchob
Transport Minster Saksayam Chidchob

The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has been ordered to study the possibility of installing Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in all privately owned vehicles, says Transport Minster Saksayam Chidchob.

The goal would be to created safer roads by monitoring vehicle speeds and target drivers who break speed limits and other traffic laws. If successful, Thailand would be the first country to introduce such traffic controls via the device in private cars and motorcycles, he said.

Mr Saksayam said such a scheme has been put into practice in public transport vehicles. The minister said he has instructed the DLT to look at key issues such as move would involve. These include advantages and disadvantages of the system, the price of the device and the law in respect to people's basic rights.

The proposal will be aired in public forums to gauge people's reaction. Mr Saksayam said he expected the study's findings to be released in about a year. However, GPS installation requires detailed discussion with the Industry Ministry to see if it is possible to fit GPS devices in all new cars before they leave the factories. There is also the issue of how to make the devices affordable, he added.

Legal enforcement will also be needed to ensure cars already on the road have them in a way that does not infringe on personal rights of the vehicle owners. Thailand has one of the world's highest traffic-related casualty rates caused mainly by speeding on main and feeder roads.

DLT director-general Chirute Visalachitra said on Monday the study will address issues such as what GSP devices are suitable for private vehicles as well as laws governing land transport, the auto industry, vehicle production and people's basic rights. As of the end of last month, 9.8 million cars with up to seven seats and 21 million private motorcycles were registered with DLT. Of the 9.8 million cars, 6.7 million were privately owned.

Meanwhile, Mr Saksayam said he has told the DLT to examine the practical aspects of enforcing traffic regulations by offering rewards for people who tip off the authorities about traffic offenders. People can send in photos or video clips taken of such offenders.

The department will make it clear what the informants must do to claim their share of the reward money and how much they stand to gain. For example, if a large truck violates traffic rules and the truck owner is fined 50,000 baht, the informant should receive a 10% cut of the fine, Mr Saksayam said.

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