Avenues of illogicality

Re: “PM Prayut wants Bangkok traffic relief in 3 months”, (Online, Aug 15).

I’m not sure if PM Prayut really knows firsthand just how bad it is and the impression it gives anyone visiting the city but I invite him to join me, incognito, while I drive around the city.

If he did, I think he would insist on an improvement plan within the next two weeks.

There are quick and easy steps the Land Transport Department can begin today to relieve congestion now.

Many intersections need traffic lights equipped with turning lane arrows, for example, going north on Thong Lor turning into Soi 10 and also going west on Ekamai Soi 12 turning right into Ekamai at the intersection. Soi 12 was just repaved and the new traffic pattern only adds to the congestion. Why they made three lanes going west and only one going east makes no sense. It should be two west and two east. Almost daily there’s an accident at this intersection because of the confusing traffic pattern.

In general, throughout Bangkok one of the major contributors to congestion is the motorbike traffic. There is no logical reason for motorbikes to not obey the same laws as cars. Do not allow motorbikes to weave in and out of traffic. It only makes car drivers more nervous resulting in more congestion from the confusion. At traffic lights they all pull to the front of traffic waiting for the light creating a major congestion area when the light does change. Whenever there is an accident involving a motorbike and a car the police always favour the motorbike driver.

Revising major roads to begin with to have designated motorbike lanes that are shared only with buses would improve congestion and the safety of passengers. Anyone violating those lanes, either motorbikes or cars, should be fined initially and if they are repeat offenders, take their driving licence away for three months or more. This can be enforced manually with police or using cameras, which has already shown their effectiveness in various areas in Bangkok. A proven example of designated lane use is in Jakarta, with their buses. It’s improved traffic flow and increased the use of buses, proving to be economically beneficial to the city.

These are only a few of the simple and cost effective changes that could be initiated immediately to achieve the directive of Prime Minister Prayut. RON MRAMOR