NLA approves electronic traffic fine payments
THE NATIONAL Legislative Assembly (NLA) yesterday in principle approved a bill that would make it possible for traffic-law violators to pay fines via electronic transactions at convenience stores as well as at banks.
The NLA has now set up a committee to vet the proposed bill, which is slated to complete its work within a month.
“This way, officials won’t have to handle cash,” Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam explained.
He said it would be more convenient for people to pay fines.
Assistant National Police Commissioner Lt-General Anan Srihirun said Krung Thai Bank would be the main bank facilitating payments.
Traffic Police deputy commander Colonel Ekarak Limsangkas said less than a third of traffic tickets issued in Bangkok were paid.
He said relevant authorities would need to consider taking measures against motorists who refused to pay fines.
“For example, we may consider deducting points from their driving licences and revoking their licences,” Ekarak said.
Wissanu said the Cabinet had instructed relevant agencies to plan other legal measures to boost road safety and was reviewing whether to increase the statute of limitations for traffic offences and penalties.
But he ruled out an idea of establishing a traffic court. “Expenses for the operations of such courts are high. If implemented, the idea may do more harm than good,” the deputy prime minister said.
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