The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) plans to ban trucks from “low emission” zones in the capital, in an attempt to ease increasing PM2.5 air pollution during the cool season, from November until March.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said today that low emission zones will be declared in Dusit, Phaya Thai, Phra Nakhon, Pom Prab, Samphanthawong, Khlong San, Sathorn, Pathum Wan and Bang Rak.
Areas will be declared low emission zones if the level of PM2.5 in the atmosphere rises to the Red Level (90µg/m3) for two consecutive days. Notification of the low emission zones will be announced 24 hours prior to enforcement and will then remain in force for three days.
Haulage operators who want their trucks to enter a low emission zone must register in advance from November 1st, but the vehicles must be in good working condition with oil filters replaced.
The governor warned that the operator of an unregistered truck entering a low emission zone may face a month in jail and/or a fine not exceeding 2,000 baht on conviction.
He said that this new measure will encourage haulage operators to keep their vehicles in good condition, thus reducing air pollution.
The governor said he is optimistic that as many as 500,000 trucks will register this fiscal year.
Regarding the “work from home” measure, Chadchart said that, if the level of PM2.5 is in the red for two consecutive days, businesses should allow their employees to work from home.
He also said that the BMA’s Central, Taksin, Charoen Krung Pracharak, Sirindhorn, Ratchaphiphat, Luang Por Thaweesak, Wetchakarunrasm and Nakaraphiban hospitals currently have facilities to treat victims of air pollution.
