The Cabinet has approved waiver of toll fees for Motorway No 7 and No 9 from July 3 to 8 to facilitate travel during the long weekend holidays, Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said on Thursday (July 2).
The country celebrates Asalha Puja on July 5 and Buddhist Lent on July 6.
“Motorway No 7 that runs from Bangkok to Chonburi and Motorway No 9 that runs from Bang Pa In to Bang Phli and from Phra Pra Daeng to Bang Khun Tian will waive the toll fee from 0.01am on July 3 to midnight of July 8,” he said.
“The measure aims to promote domestic travel, reduce traffic jam in front of the toll booths, as well as alleviate people’s financial burden during the economic recession due to Covid-19.”
Department of Highways director-general Sarawut Songwilai said that during the long weekend, the department will dispatch additional staff to facilitate travel in the areas that are prone to traffic jams or road accidents to provide roadside assistance 24 hours a day.
“Motorists can use the department's 'Thailand Highway Traffic' mobile application to check the traffic condition in real time, reported live from 20 highway offices using traffic drones,” he said.
“The department has also urged construction contractors of highways to temporarily halt their work during the long weekend to maximise traffic lanes and prevent congestion,” added Sarawut. “We expect the number of travellers this year to be at the same level as last year despite the Covid-19 situation, as the government has eased most of the lockdown measures.”