Efforts are being stepped up to curb hazardous ultra-fine dust particles with diesel-powered trucks likely to be prohibited from entering inner Bangkok on certain days during this month and next.
The planned restriction on diesel lorries is one of the measures proposed by the national committee on hazardous dust pollution which met yesterday and agreed to intensify efforts to improve the quality of air in the capital.
The upsurge in dust and air pollution has sprung from fuel use, particularly exhaust fumes emitted by diesel vehicles. In its proposal, the panel outlined measures that related state agencies can implement to reduce ultra-fine dust particles in the air. It has also recommended that the Royal Thai Police enforce rules for diesel lorries and vehicles that do not comply with standard emission regulations.
As for lorries, the proposal says the vehicles should only be allowed to enter inner Bangkok on even dates of the month during January and February when dust pollution is at its peak. It has also proposed that the restricted area for diesel lorries be extended from Ratchadapisek Ring Road to Kanchanaphisek Ring Road.
The Department of Land Transport has also pushed for strict measures against vehicles that emit toxic fumes, while the Department of Industrial Works has been told to inspect factories to ensure they comply with regulations and get them to reduce activities when the pollution situation deteriorates.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and provincial authorities have also been advised to enforce rules on open-air burning. City Hall in particular has to curb pollution from construction projects, including mass-transit systems.
Water is sprayed from the rooftop of Lak Si district office in Bangkok to help with fine dust particles in the air. (Photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
Jatuporn Burutphat, permanent secretary for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, said the proposed measures will be submitted for cabinet approval and should take immediate effect. He said restrictions can be lifted before the end of February if the air quality improves.
However, Yoo Chienyuenyongpong, chairman of the Land Transport Federation of Thailand, yesterday slammed the proposal, saying the restriction would adversely affect logistics and transport. According to Mr Yoo, Kanchanaphisek Ring Road is the main route trucks take to deliver agricultural produce and other necessities to different parts of the country.
"If trucks are prohibited as proposed, then the number of trucks on the roads during permitted hours will increase, worsening traffic and dust pollution," he said.
Government spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat said she will today meet with representatives from agencies concerned to mete out measures to raise public awareness. She said the proposed measures will be put up for cabinet consideration when it meets on Tuesday in Narathiwat.
According to Ms Narumon, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha believes that it is necessary to raise the public's awareness about the situation and what the government has been doing to help.
Suchatvee Suwansawat, president of the Council of Engineers Thailand, has also put forth eight measures, including "dust taxes" and the installation of a warning system.
A policeman inspects a smokebelching truck at a checkpoint near Don Muang railway station on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road as part of city-wide measures to combat the PM2.5 ultra-fine dust in Bangkok. (Photo by Pornprom Satrabhaya)
Mr Suchatvee said tax incentives should be introduced to encourage property developers to better control dust and pollution, while those lacking in social responsibility should be slapped with extra taxes.
He said warning systems across the city were also necessary as the degree of pollution varies from area to area. Though adverse weather conditions contribute to pollution, emissions from cars and pollution from construction sites are largely to blame.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police Bureau has set up checkpoints citywide to inspect vehicles for emissions. Those exceeding permitted levels will be banned until they are fixed and resubmitted for inspection.
At a checkpoint in Don Muang area, police found that 12 out of every 25 cars exceeded permitted levels.
The Pollution Control Department yesterday reported that the ultra-fine dust in 10 areas exceeded limits. The pollution was higher than the so-called safe limit of 50 µg/m³.
They were Din Daeng, Soi Lat Phrao 95, Rama III-Charoen Krung Road, Soi Sukhumvit 63, Bang Kapi Intersection, Lat Krabang Road in Lat Krabang district, Sam Sen Road in Phra Nakhon district, Klong Toey, Thung Song Hong, and Phahon Yothin Road in Bang Khen district.