The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is teaming up with city police to clamp down on parked taxis waiting for customers in a bid to ease growing traffic congestion outside shopping malls.
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt yesterday revealed during a Facebook livestream session that the BMA's Traffic and Transport Department will solve the capital's traffic woes with the aid of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB).
"I have talked to the MPB's deputy commissioner, Pol Maj Gen Jirasan Kaewsaengeak, several times about introducing technology to solve traffic jams. We will have to work with multiple organisations and invest in the right equipment. Also, we need a fund to develop the traffic system, as this is already included in the BMA's budget for policies," said Mr Chadchart.
He said all 50 district offices in Bangkok will prevent cars being parking illegally or in ways that cause congestion.
Mr Chadchart said more than 9,000 "problematic" parking locations have been reported via the Traffy Fondue Smart City platform. Moreover, the MPB has been transferring traffic data to the BMA so it can look into the matter.
"We will assign all district offices to develop a traffic plan with police, using this data. Enforcement has to be strictly put into practice. If we find any driver violating the rules, we will issue wheel-cramping tickets or send officers from the City Law Enforcement Department to clear the road," said Mr Chadchart.
He suggested shopping malls located along main roads provide parking spots for public buses, taxis, and goods vehicles inside or behind their buildings.
The BMA will also promote its civil cooperation campaign as the governor has emphasised that traffic congestion has to be resolved by the public and private sectors.