RFID SYSTEM IN PLACE TO CUT DOWN ON CRASHES

An RFID reader has been installed at eight spots on the tollway covering 28 kilometres, Deputy Transport Minister Chatchart Sithipan said yesterday. 

 

SYSTEM TO EXTEND ELSEWHERE

He added that authorities would also be installing similar systems in motorways and highways within the 300km radius of the capital. Pointing out that most accidents resulted from the drivers’ recklessness and love for speed, Chatchart said speeding bus and van drivers will be fined Bt5,000 for the first time, and then Bt10,000 if they are caught again. 

 

Police may also confiscate transport permits if speed limits are violated for a second time, he added. 

The RFID system involves readers to be installed along the road, while tags are placed on the windscreen of the vehicle. 

 

The reader zooms in on the tag when the vehicle is driven past and calculates to see if the van has been speeding. The department has handed out 833 RFID tags to transport vans in a bid to boost public safety. 

 

Every year up to 900,000 people commute by transport vans, and there are currently 12,000 vans under operation. So far, about 200 vans have been seen sporting the RFID tags. 

 

Meanwhile, the department warned buses or trucks carrying more than 1,200 kilograms to go no faster than 60 kilometres per hour in Bangkok, Pattaya City and municipality areas, and stay within the 80km per hour limit elsewhere. 

 

While cars and motorcycles are not to exceed 90km per hour in general, four- and six-wheelers are not allowed to go beyond 120km per hour on the Bangkok-Pattaya Motorway and Bangkok’s Kanchanapisek ring road.