Bangkok – Police report that after just two days of using lane-change cameras in 15 areas of Bangkok, they have seen a targeted 30 percent drop in traffic violations and an improvement in traffic flow.
Deputy Commander of the Traffic Police, Pol Col Kitti Ariyanon reported Friday that a total 27,514 violations were captured by the 15 lane change cameras installed by police, over the first 24 hours they were operating. The most common offenders were motorcycle riders with most violations taking place in the early morning and evening. The area around Siriraj Bridge saw the most illegal lane changes with 3,568 cars leaving lined lanes. The second worst area for multiple offenses was Din Daeng Triangle, where 3,524 violations were recorded while Huay Kwang intersection was the third worst with 3,139 violations.
However, by the second day of the more stringent enforcement following the installation of the cameras, police noted an average 30 percent drop in violations, or by about 800 vehicles. Traffic flow in the areas also improved with fewer accidents reported.
Tickets are gradually being issued for those caught driving inappropriately and all are to be dispatched within seven days of the violation.
The lane change cameras are also looking for other violations such as failure to wear a motorcycle helmet, motorcycle use of flyovers and vehicular crime.
The system is to be evaluated for efficacy at a later date so that implementation can be extended.
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