Bangkok’s big truck crackdown: Clearing the air one gear at a time

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Nikkei Asia

 

by Bob Scott 

 

City Hall is gearing up for a major move to clean up Bangkok’s air quality, and the Department of Land Transport (DLT) is calling on all operators of six-wheeled trucks and larger vehicles to gear up for action.

 

The city plans to roll out a groundbreaking Low Emission Zone initiative next year, targeting those notorious medium- and large-sized trucks to take on the city’s choking PM2.5 dust pollution.

 

DLT chief Jirut Wisanjit laid out the scheme yesterday, November 27. If truckers want to hit nine key districts in the heart of Bangkok, they’ll need to play by the rules and register their beasts. It’s not just about signing up, truck operators must keep on top of their engine oil and air filter changes to stay on the right side of the law.

 

Only those trucking titans that toe the line, or run on electric and NGV systems, will be given the green light to enter these zones, hotspots notorious for heavy traffic and sky-high pollution levels, said Wisanjit.

“Our mission is crystal clear, we’re out to boost Bangkok’s air quality, stamp out pollution, and make life better for all the city’s residents.”

Officials are raising the alarm over Bangkok’s smog situation, where clogged roads and perilous PM2.5 levels are a daily battle. The new programme zeroes in on truck maintenance and registration, ensuring that only eco-friendly rigs cut through the city’s most polluted zones.

 

“This is all about protecting public health and joining the global fight against air pollution.”

 

Truck operators need to get their vehicles in order, meeting the new standards. This bold move by the city underscores a firm commitment to battling pollution and nurturing a healthier environment for all.

 

With the Low Emission Zone plan set to launch next year, the DLT is paving the way for cleaner air and setting the stage for future green policies. Get on board or get left behind!

 

Source: The Thaiger 

-- 2024-11-28

 

 

[sungod]

3 minutes ago, webfact said:

It’s not just about signing up, truck operators must keep on top of their engine oil and air filter changes to stay on the right side of the law.

I wish they would do it all over the country

[topt]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

If truckers want to hit nine key districts in the heart of Bangkok, they’ll need to play by the rules and register their beasts. It’s not just about signing up, truck operators must keep on top of their engine oil and air filter changes to stay on the right side of the law.

And how is this going to be enforced...............?

[RichardColeman]

32 minutes ago, topt said:

And how is this going to be enforced...............?

how it will be paid off would be a better question 

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

“Our mission is crystal clear, we’re out to boost Bangkok’s air quality, stamp out pollution, and make life better for all the city’s residents.”

And whan you've done that start on all the construction sites that stir up dust

[topt]

1 minute ago, RichardColeman said:

how it will be paid off would be a better question 

I don't disagree but there is no mention of how they will enforce it in the article and if not enforced in some way then there won't be a need for any brown envelopes 

[Grumpy one]

It looks like pickup trucks are free to spew as much pollution into the air as they can

Maybe stopping them first would be a better way to go