BANGKOK, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob told reporters after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday that a new ministerial regulation is now under consideration, to impose fines on motorists who drive too slow on highways.
Motorists who use the right lane of a highway, with more than four traffic lanes, and drive at a speed of less than 90kph (kilometer per hour) will face charges similar to speeding, under a new ministerial regulation being considered by my ministry, said Saksayam.
Saksayam said the idea of setting the minimum speed for driving on right lane of normal roads and highways, will be considered, together with a proposal to increase the speed limit on highways to 120kph.
Thailand especially in the cities, are notorious for traffic congestions; the regulation on maximum and minimum driving speeds is intended to ensure better safety and to reduce traffic congestion, Saksayam told reporters.
After the deliberation of the new traffic regulation in the cabinet, I believe it will come into force next month, said Saksayam.
Setting a balanced speed on highways will reduce car accidents, said Saksayam
The transport minister said accidents caused by sudden lane changes account for 30 percent of road accidents, or 5,000 cases annually.
