BANGKOK, 21 September 2012 – The Ministry of Transport is setting up a temporary command center in Bangkok to cope with heavy traffic congestion during the flood season.
Deputy Transport Minister Chatchart Sithipan said after a meeting with the Royal Thai police and other related agencies, that the ministry resolved to establish a traffic command center at the Thai Traffic police headquarters in response to the growing traffic congestion.
Mr Chatchart said brief floodings, traffic accidents, vehicle malfunctions and toll booth bottle necks all contributed to the worsening congestion. The city’s most congested areas, he added, include Din Daeng tollway, Chaeng Wattana Road, Tiwanont Road and areas surrounding Central Plaza Lamlukka.
The Ministry is coordinating with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation in supplying the city with more water pumps to drain out floodwater during heavy downpours.
The Land Transport Department will also provide additional towing vehicles and patrolling personnel in order to promptly remove vehicles immobilized by accidents or mechanical malfunctions.
