After learning that there are more than 9,000 tuk-tuks on the roads in Bangkok, the Land Transport Department plans to implement a method of “birth control” to cut back on the numbers.
Land Transport Department director-general Sanit Phromsathit said the number of tuk-tuks is excessive and makes it hard to supervise their operations.
Tuk-tuks need “birth control,” said Sanit.
Officials will halt new registrations of tuk-tuks except those under a tuk-tuk scheme run by the Transport Ministry to promote tuk-tuk driving as a career as well as the use of clean energy.
Sanit said 2,100 of the 2,500 tuk-tuk drivers under the project have their vehicles registered.
Safety is also an issue for passengers using the three-wheeled vehicles and the planned tuk-tuk cull will help make the inspection measures more efficient.
Last year authorities brought in a new regulation demanding tuk-tuks be fitted with a steel structure on the right side of the car to prevent passengers falling out.
The ministry has also set a standard length and width of the vehicles and prohibited drivers from adapting them. Modifications can cause the vehicles to tip over.
The department added that it has no plans to set fare rates. Sanit said that fares will still be need to be negotiated between drivers and passengers, reported the Bangkok Post.
