VietNamNet Bridge – Traffic violators in Thu Thiem Tunnel under Sai Gon River in HCM City would face heavy penalties, said the municipal Road and Railway Police Division.

Photo: Internet
Thu Thiem Tunnel, which has been opened for traffic since November 20, was about 20m under Sai Gon River so if an accident occurred, the consequences would be serious, said the HCM City Department of Transport.

Drivers with no headlights would be fined VND750,000 (US$36) for a motorbike and VND1.4-2 million ($67-96) for a car and lose their driving licences for 30 days.

Do Tien Dung, deputy head of the Ben Thanh Traffic Police Team, said the Road Law and the Government's Decree 34 regulated punishment for traffic violations.

"Thu Thiem Tunnel is one of several pilot places which face a high risk of serious consequences after accidents and thus a higher level of punishment was applied," he said.

Policeman Pham Cong Danh, from the city's Road and Railway Police Division, said heavy punishment was applied to improve residents' awareness on traffic regulations and ensure safety in the tunnel.

Last Saturday and Sunday, the police fined 32 drivers for violations in the tunnel, the most common were not turning on headlights and making a U-turn in the tunnel entrance.

About 20,000 vehicles passed through the tunnel each day.

The management centre has publicised the regulations for vehicles but the number of violations was still high, a spokesman said.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News