Illustrative image (Source: bangkokpost.com) Bangkok (VNA) - In a bid tocontrol a major source of fine particulate matter PM2.5, Thailand’s Departmentof Land Transport (DLT) has announced a raft of measures to reduce emissionsfrom vehicles.
The level of PM2.5 in Bangkok andneighbouring areas was below the so-called safe 50 µg/m³ threshold over thepast days.
Therefore, seven measures have been putin place to curb and bring down the PM2.5 level, DLT Director-General JirutWisanjit said.
They are cancelling and pausing carregistration renewal for vehicles that exceed PM2.5 smog levels; deploying morestaff to check vehicles; working with the Pollution Control Department (PCD) toinspect vehicle exhaust emissions in hot spots; making sure that centreslicenced to inspect car conditions check PM2.5 emitted from cars; working withthe Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) and the Transport Company to inspectexhaust levels; opening a hotline (1584) and social media page for people tolodge complaints and give tip-offs on vehicles that emit black smog; andworking with private companies and associations related to public buses andvans to improve PM2.5 emissions checks.
Since October last year until September,122,370 vehicles have had their exhaust inspected and 3,520 of them were foundto emit pollutants, including PM2.5, beyond the permitted level, according toJirut.
For vehicles that exceed permitted PM2.5levels, DLT will fine the driver 5,000 baht (165 USD). Moreover, a vehicle thatexceeds smog levels will be marked with spray paint indicating its suspensionfrom use. This ban will be lifted only after the owner of the car has theengine refitted to reduce PM2.5 emissions.
In his weekly televised show on October4, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the Government has always beenconcerned about air pollution, especially PM2.5 or microscopic dust particles.
He also urged people not to panic,saying it is necessary to understand it first.
The smog came from other countries,traffic jams, burning of farming waste, factory emission and dust fromconstruction sites, he said.
Bangkok had 10.5 million vehiclesregistered with DLT as of August. However, many more motorists drive into thecity from their residences in neighbouring provinces./.
VNA
