Councilman points out 90% of current cameras broken
Even though only 10 percent of the 1,400 closed-circuit television cameras in Pattaya actually work, Banglamung’s district chief says more should be installed to solve chronic traffic problems.
Speaking at a July 7 brainstorming meeting to address the city’s illegal parking problem, Chakorn Kanjawattana said technology could solve a problem that police and regulation has failed at.
Banglamung District Chief Chakorn Kanjawattana says more CCTV cameras could solve Pattaya traffic problems.
“Although the government has established road regulations and designated stopping areas, it is obviously not enough to put a stop to these traffic violators,” Chakorn said. “Orders were once given to police officers to lock the tires of all vehicles parking in restricted areas, but that has become a problem as well, due to the lack of officers and them being kind to people.
“If officers are not enough, then technology would be the best bet. More cameras should be installed throughout Pattaya Beach Road and other roads where traffic regulations are often violated. If anybody is spotted parking in restricted areas or violating traffic rules, the footage will be sent to the police to check the license plate of the vehicle and send a letter to the home of the owner of the vehicle.”
He said the land transport office could also be contacted to have a license revoked for chronic offenders.
Pattaya City Councilman Sanit Boonmachai said CCTV cameras likely would be effective, but rather than pay for new cameras to be installed, the better solution would be to fix and properly maintain the cameras the city already has. About 1,260 of the 1,400 installed cameras in the city are broken, he said.
He noted there currently is no budget for repair work.
