Free
motorways for a week, as the nation’s roads will not collect tolls from
4 p.m. Dec. 27 through midnight Jan. 3.
Phasakorn Channgam
Drivers may get stuck in traffic over the New Year’s
holiday, but at least the tolls will be free.
Transportation Minister Sophon Saram announced Dec.
15 that the nation’s motorways would offer free tolls from 4 p.m. Dec.
27 through midnight Jan. 3.
Weera Ruangsuksriwong, director-general of Department
of Highways, said roads currently closed for maintenance or construction
would be cleared and opened on Dec. 27 to ease traffic woes. At the same
time, he said, the government also is stepping up safety precautions for
the heavy traffic season.
Damaged sections of road would be blocked off and
well-marked, he said. In addition, additional lights will be set up on
rural roads.
“During New Year’s, the department ordered
approximately 20,000 employees throughout the country to look after
travelers,” Weera said.
Thailand’s highways already offer 220 rest stops for
tired drivers. Each offer drinking water, a rest area and massage, he
said.
