Bangkok: Bangkok is taking significant steps to expand its low pollution zone measures, proposing the government declare the city a pollution control zone to tackle the persistent PM 2.5 problems.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, highlighted the success of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) measures in the city. He noted that, for the first time in history, trucks are prohibited from entering the inner city area. This initiative restricts the driving zones for trucks with six wheels or more that are not registered on the green list, preventing them from accessing the Ratchadaphisek Ring Road area. Currently, more than 38,000 vehicles are registered on the green list. The city has instructed officers in each area to file complaints against vehicles violating these measures during periods of high PM 2.5 dust levels.
Governor Sittipunt emphasized the effectiveness of using technology in this initiative, stating that there is no need for checkpoints or personnel. He believes that the new national dust control plan, currently being drafted, should adopt the LEZ as a model. For the continued expansion of these measures, the governor plans to present issues to the government concerning Bangkok’s 11 dust measures that require improvement. He also seeks to request additional authority for Bangkok, including the declaration of the city as a pollution control zone. This designation would enable access to the Environmental Quality Promotion Fund, facilitating enhancements to work systems necessary for effectively addressing the PM 2.5 dust problem.
