The switch to left-hand driving in Myanmar may take longer than expected

Automobile industry insiders are pushing to delay the implementation of left-hand driving as fears grow over existing stock that can’t be sold under the coming regulations.
 
Traffic in the country flows along the right lane of the road with drivers sitting behind the wheel on the right side of the car, a strange setup that poses obvious safety risks (think about passing on the left while trying to see oncoming vehicles from the right side of your car).
 
A new law proposes making the change to left-side driving – with cars staying in the right lane – mandatory by early 2016. But those in the industry want it pushed to 2018, the Global New Light of Myanmar reported.
 
Soe Tun, president of the Myanmar Automobile Manufacturers and Dealers Association, said dealers are “anxious” about the change because they won’t be able to sell off right-hand drive cars.
 
He told the paper that some 30,000 models with the steering wheel on the soon-to-be-illegal side have yet to be sold.
 
The idea of a grace period would be fair for businesses, but should that be considered when it’s a matter of public safety?
 
Soe Tun said the proposal will be sent to the government in about a week’s time.
 
Photo / Coconuts Yangon