Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Over 93,000 motorized vehicles impounded by Cambodian police in August

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- More than 93,000 motorcycles and cars were impounded in August in nationwide operations since the start of strict enforcement of new traffic laws, local media reported on Wednesday, citing police officials.

Lieutenant-General Ouk Kimlek, deputy commissioner of the National Police and deputy chairman of the National Road Safety Committee, was quoted by the Cambodia Daily as saying on Tuesday that the police confiscated 92,283 motorcycles and l,089 cars since August l.

The most common offense in 39,727 cases was not having mirrors on motorcycles, followed by drivers not wearing helmets in 38,907 cases. Another reason for motorcycle confiscation was the lack of registration taxes, especially in Siem Reap, Banteay Meanchey and Preah Sihanouk provinces.

Him Yan, deputy director of the National Police public order department, said that between July 10 and August 10 traffic casualties and accidents decreased by 15 percent over the previous month to 101 fatalities. He said that so far only 562 motorcycles nationwide are still impounded, awaiting their owners to pay the required tax and register for a license plate.

Sann Socheata, road safety manager for Handicap International Belgium, however, said it was too early for the organization to say if the police operation has decreased the number of road accidents but that, in general, greater police vigilance about the laws of the road is a good thing.

"Speeding and drunk driving are the two main reasons for road traffic accidents," she added.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

With a average fine of $1, that makes $93,000. I hope someone can account for where that money has gone.