Traffic law crackdown to begin next week

The Phnom Penh Post
http://www.phnompenhpost.com

Written by Khuon Leakhana and Sam Rith
Thursday, 14 May 2009

TRAFFIC police say they are planning to crack down on speeding, drunken driving and driving without a licence, with drivers being dealt fines as soon as next week.

"Previously, we only fined drivers who didn't wear helmets or used mirrors. Now we are starting to check for peoples' driver's licences," Him Yan, deputy commissioner police in charge of traffic in Phnom Penh, told the Post on Monday.

According to officials, only 2 percent of the Kingdom's almost 1 million motorbike drivers have a licence.

El Narin, deputy Phnom Penh Traffic Police chief, said drunken driving and speeding checks would also be enforced from Monday.

"We received the order to implement these laws this week, but due to the holiday, we will implement them next week," he said.

Licence process to improve
According to Cambodian traffic law, drivers caught without licences can face a maximum penalty of two months in jail, or a fine of up to 200,000 riels (US$50).

Him Yan said that police hadn't been able to enforce the law in the past because they knew getting a licence was expensive and difficult.

"But we are now looking into this process, so as to be able to enforce the law," he said.

According to El Narin, drunken drivers will not be fined, but required to sober up at a police station before travelling home. Drivers caught speeding, however, face fines and risk being taken to court if they violate the law "in excess", he said.