Traffic police to ensure safety of traffic flow
Good news for motorists driving into Pattaya on Highway 7. The authorities have decided to open the intersection for motorists to turn right towards North Pattaya. The bad news is that it will be on a trial basis and only for 6 hours on weekends.
Anuwat Thongkham, head of the city’s traffic engineering department said that officials at City Hall held a meeting to discuss the deteriorating traffic situation in Pattaya and explore ways to relieve the congestion that has become worse by the day.
The sign reads: “Trial operation of traffic lights only on Saturday and Sunday 11.00 – 17.00 hrs.”
One of the points discussed was the intersection under the Highway 7 overpass between Central and North Pattaya where vehicles are not permitted to turn right towards North Pattaya. This has caused traffic congestion on Sukhumvit Road at the entrance to Siam Country Club intersection near Central Pattaya Road as motorists must wait for a long time to make the U-turn.
The meeting agreed that the intersection should be opened to allow traffic to turn right, but under strict supervision of traffic police.
The intersection was opened for a trial run on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 December from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. During the 2 day period, officials reported that traffic was considerably lighter in front of the Siam Country Club entrance.
City officials will paint the road around that area with clearer traffic markings and traffic police will control and direct traffic to ensure smooth and safe usage of the intersection.
These measures will be in effect until the automated traffic systems of the City Hall and the Highways Department are integrated and synchronised before the intersection can be fully opened for traffic use.
