Minister of Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol has appealed to owners of vehicles to conduct regular mechanical checks of their vehicles to avoid traffic accidents. He also called for the holders of expired driver's licences to renew them as soon as possible.
Speaking at the April 21 inauguration of a vehicular technical inspection centre in Samrong Andet, Phnom Penh, Chanthol described how 153,000 vehicles, or about 14 per cent of those present in the Kingdom, have not been inspected.
“Therefore, I ask that the owners of these vehicles get them serviced as soon as possible. The fine is 500 riel a day for any car that has not been subject to a scheduled technical inspection,” he said.
He also asked that holders of expired driver’s licences renew them, as without doing so, they are driving illegally.
The Minister emphasised that traffic accidents cause an average of five deaths a day and 10 to 15 injuries. Most of the causal factors were speeding, dangerous overtaking, driving under the influence of alcohol, or failing to use seat belts or helmets.
“Mechanical malfunctions have also caused several accidents. In addition, we are conducting a review of road signage,” he added.
“If vehicle owners do not have their cars serviced regularly, they may be responsible for a needless tragedy. Please, consider the safety of yourselves, and your fellow road users,” he concluded.
