The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has set up 20 checkpoints on main roads leading in and out of Bangkok to inspect vehicles emitting black exhaust. Meanwhile, the department revealed that its exhaust testing criteria for 2022 will become more stringent as it was seeking to lessen the PM2.5 air pollution problem.
Officials at the inspection point in front of Big C department store on Rama 2 road in Bangkok hailed trucks, diesel cars, and vehicles older than 7 years for inspection. The vehicles needed to score no more than 45% on the visual black exhaust test and no more than 50% on the filter-based test. Vehicles with a reading that exceeded the threshold in either category were sprayed with the message “usage suspended” and owners needed to remedy the exhaust problem within 30 days if the vehicles were to be allowed back on roads.
Pollution Control Department (PCD) Director-General Athapol Charoenshunsa said about 200,000 vehicles had been inspected for black exhaust this year. 1,589 vehicles were placed under temporary suspension of use and were successfully restored to roadworthy conditions. 1,922 vehicles were banned from roads.
Black smoke vehicle interception points have been set up in Bangkok and 15 other provinces. More interception points may be established during December and January when weather conditions are conducive to high airborne particulate matter readings.
The director-general said the inspection criteria will be intensified from April 13, 2022. Under the new requirements, exhaust smoke readings must not exceed the 30% figure when measured using the Ringelmann method and 40% when measured using a filter. The PCD aimed to reduce airborne dust and black exhaust from vehicles by 25% in Greater Bangkok. (NNT)
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