A NATIONWIDE police crackdown on un-roadworthy vehicles and illegal driving practices aimed at stemming traffic accidents on Cambodia’s roads was launched yesterday, according to a statement.

The statement, signed by national police chief Neth Savoeun, warned motorists that vehicles that do not have correctly displayed registration information, are overloaded, parked incorrectly or otherwise un-roadworthy will no longer be tolerated. This includes boats.

“In order to ensure safe transportation and reduce traffic accidents, the secretariat of the leading general commander…will order the joint group to check on [public] driving from May 1,” the statement read.

Preap Chanvibol, director of the land transport department at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, said yesterday that provincial governors, police officials and civil servants across the country had been informed of the crackdown last month.

“I support the national police to strengthen the implementation of the land traffic law and it is good to reduce traffic accidents,” he said.

Chum Seoun, a 36-year-old motodop, welcomed the crackdown yesterday but expressed concern that police might use it as an excuse to extort cash from motorists.

“The traffic police used to fine me for not wearing a helmet, but they demanded 10,000 riels – that is different from the traffic law [in which] the fine is only 3, 000 riels,” he said.

The move follows a bloody weekend on Cambodia’s roads that claimed five in Kampong Chhnang province. Soum Seng, deputy police chief of Rolea Ba’ier district, said yesterday that two women died in a collision on Saturday between a motorbike and a car. Another police official said three people died in Samaki Meanchey district when a flat tyre caused their car to roll into a river bed.