BANGKOK, Jan 22 (TNA) –The transport minister insists that he does not plan to curb the number of vehicles in the country to relieve dust particles, saying Thailand is the world’s major base of automobile production.
Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said that instead the government was expanding electric railways and improving other modes of public transport to relieve road traffic congestion.
Bigger networks of electric trains can prompt people to reduce using private vehicles. Besides, the engines of passenger buses could be changed to be environmentally friendly, he said.
According to him, there will be some measures concerning automobiles, including low taxes for clean vehicles. The Finance Ministry is studying the tax initiative.
In addition, water is sprayed at expressway toll gates to help protect toll collectors and the motorists who open their windows to pay tolls.
Mr Arkhom ruled out the possibility of limiting the years of usage of private vehicles. He said the measure could be applied to public transport vehicles and trucks. Control on exhaust emissions was suitable in this case, the transport minister said. (TNA)
