Area officials are promising again to crack down on traffic and parking violators, erecting bus stops along Beach Road and threatening to fine any bus or taxi not using them.
Chonburi Gov. Khomsan Ekachai, Banglamung District Chief Sakchai Taengho and Pattaya Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh met Jan. 8 to announce the new scheme, which calls for 17 yellow-and-white stopping zones for tour buses, baht buses and taxis.
Ironically, officials stop traffic to launch their latest attempt to clear traffic in Pattaya.
“It’s time to put a stop to all this nonsense,’ Khomsan said of Pattaya’s chronic traffic problems. “No more double parking and ignoring the rules will be permitted. As we all know Pattaya is becoming more popular every year and our tourism market has been gradually increasing. It’s time to give Pattaya a new look and be a good example for tourists.”
Double-parking and stopping in red-and-white “no parking” zones will be specifically targeted, especially tour buses that often act as if they have a license to stop anywhere.
“The same rules will apply to residents who often park in the middle of the road to quickly purchase something … and cause a major traffic jam,” the governor said. “People who don’t follow the rules and park in the particular spots provided will now be fined immediately. Pattaya has also installed many CCTV cameras in various places to record vehicles parking in restricted areas and holding up the traffic. Now let’s see if they still break the rules.”
The yellow stop zones are located near Beach Road’s popular shopping, entertainment and hotel destinations and are spaced 4-8 minutes apart, officials said.
“By putting a stop to selfish parking, traffic problems should be alleviated,” Khomsan said. “We may not see the results today but I’m sure that someday this will be a big accomplishment.”
