Traffic measures for Songkran exodus

BANGKOK, April 5 (TNA) - The police map out measures to handle heavy traffic during the Thai New Year or Songkran festival. One of the measures is a ban on ten-wheeled trucks from running on major routes to the Northeast to facilitate exodus of travellers, going to the provinces. Pol Maj Gen Yingyos Thepjamnong, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Police said ten-wheeled tracks or more will be prohibited on three highways - Mitrapharp Highway at Lam Takhong Dam, Highway 304 from Kabin Buri to Wang Nam Kiew, and Highway 348 from Aranyaprathet in Sa Kaeo, heading to Burirum. However, the lorries, carrying petrol, farm products and seafood will be exempt from the ban. Other operators, who need to run 10-wheeled trucks during the period on these routes can seek permission from police stations in the five provinces, where the ban will be imposed. Moreover, the government also relaxes its ban to allow Songkran revellers to ride in the back of pickup trucks in the water-playing zones, so they can enjoy splashing water. However, the drivers must not travel over the speed limit. Alcohol tests will be strictly conducted on drivers to prevent road accidents. (TNA)