Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt has urgently worked to tighten regulations around trucks in his bid to reduce road accidents, while truck owners call for more rest areas.
The minister announced the move after his meeting with related agencies under the ministry and the Truck Entrepreneurs Association. The minister urged the truck operators to promote safe driving among truckers and to put highest priority to passengers’ lives.
Mr. Chadchart said he already looked into the association’s request to erect more rest areas by assigning the Department of Highways to look for appropriate locations belonging to the department, for construction.
The Transport Minister estimated that initially seven rest areas will be built in areas equipped with enough light and easy to park spaces. The sites for construction are expected to conclud next week.
According to the minister, the meeting also raised the issue of insufficient drivers which was cited as a reason of accidents. It is found that the shortage is as many as 140,000 drivers. The number tends to rise to 200,000 in the next 2 years when the ASEAN Economic Community commences.
Mr. Chadchart said the Ministry would enlist help from the Labor Ministry in filling up those positions.
Story: NNT
