TRAFFIC policemen have begun issuing fines to motorbike riders with no helmets during the last two days, the beginning of the strict enforcement of the regulations.
The fines are part of police efforts to reduce the rate of fatalities and serious injuries in the roads, according to Vientiane Traffic Police Office’s Head Captain Viengxay Southiyanon.
The enforcement of the regulations follow the announcement in December that fines would be issued to motorbike riders without helmets, starting from January 1 this year.
Riders without helmets will be charged 30,000kip or US$3 each, as will their helmet-less passengers, and police will record the mistake.
“Previously, we have estimated that about 70 percent of motorbike riders don’t wear helmets, but I think from now on many more people will start wearing them,” Captain Viengxay said.
He added that in previous years, riders without helmets were only fined when their motorbikes were faulty or not roadworthy, but if everything was in order, the police would usually let them go.
Captain Viengxay was not yet able to give an exact number of fines issued, as more than 100 drivers had been pulled over for various misdemeanours, such as speeding.
Mr Ko, 20, who lives at Sisangvone village in Xaysettha district said that he had been avoiding the traffic police since the announcement about fines was made. “I have just bought a new motorbike, and I have no helmet yet, but I plan to buy one tomorrow,” he said.
Mr Khamvanh, who works as a mechanic at a motorbike shop in Sihom village of Chanthabouly district, said he had already noticed many more people wearing helmets than last year. He had also sold helmets, especially to teenagers, and has just ordered new stocks.
“I think this year will be a new phase for Vientiane, as many people will be safer on the roads,” he said. “The police regulation is the best way to save lives.”
Ms Teay, a Dongmieng villager of Chanthabouly district, said that before she went to work yesterday, her three-year old daughter reminded her to wear a helmet or “the police will arrest you.”
The message seems to be getting across, even to those not yet able to drive.
By PANYASITH THAMMAVONGSA (Latest Update January 3, 2007)
