Moto

Oct 16, 2023

The Ministry of Interior Spokesperson Unit has clarified that minister Sar Sokha’s suggestion that driving licences be required for motorcycles with engines over 60cc was merely one of several ideas the ministry plans to look into, as it explores ways to bring down the road toll.

The clarification followed widespread criticism on several social media. Critics said the time and expense required to obtain a licence would be challenging for many members of the public, as the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic were still being felt by many.

Sokha floated the idea while addressing the August 28 office taking ceremony of the new National Police chief. At the time, he mused that the move could reduce accident rates.

In an August 29 press release, the spokesperson unit explained that some members of the public appeared to misunderstand his intent. Although some adopted a negative view, it noted that the concept had also attracted praise.

“He [Sokha] simply recommended that we study our past experiences and the results we obtained from the implementation of several road traffic laws. We will conduct this study in the future,” it said.

“After the study is completed, we will be able to make a decision. If we do make a decision, we will have to bring the matter up with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, as they are responsible for issuing driving licences,” it added.

The statement explained that if the policy was to be introduced, it would almost certainly be rolled out in a step-by-step manner, to take socio-economic conditions into consideration.

“[Sokha] expressed his concerns. We have seen over 1,100 deaths on the roads so far this year already, out of a population of just 17 million. There will be more needless deaths before the year ends if stringent measures are not taken,” it said.

It noted that France, with a population of around 68 million people, sees less than 800 traffic fatalities in a year, while also pointing out that a recent report by the transport ministry said over 1,000 motorcycle number plates are issued each day.

Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, took to social media to share his thoughts on August 29.

“[We] should consider stopping drug dealers before considering introducing a 60cc motorcycle driving licence. We should not yet insist on these licences, as public transport is not yet developed enough. It will be difficult for children to go to school,” he wrote.

Kim Pagna, country director of the Asia Injury Prevention Foundation (AIP), said on August 29 that as a promoter of traffic safety in Cambodia, he supported this initiative.

He explained that training, education and driving licence requirements are all important measures that would contribute to a reduction in traffic casualties.

“I support the remarks of the minister. I encourage a study of the idea of licence requirements for vehicles with engines over 50cc. We will have to devise mechanisms to help people get licensed of course. We can do in stages, and bring license issuing services closer to the people,” he said.

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