Prior to the posts being installed there was a large space between a row of concrete road barriers and the entrance/exit of the underpass and some motorists travelling south along bypass road chose to make the illegal u-turns in that space.
Speaking to The Phuket News on Tuesday, chief of the Vichit Traffic Police, Pol Col Siripong Wongsanpet said, “This line of barriers is already working very well. Cars and bigger vehicles are now finding it impossible to make illegal u-turn at that point.”
He also stated that the barriers would have been placed there sooner, however, the reason for the delay was that they wanted to use plastic barriers rather than concrete as they would be safer for motorist. Using concrete barriers would also not be in accordance with the original underpass construction plans.
“We have had to cooperate with the Phuket Highway Office who are allocated the budget to buy these barriers. They are a lot safer for motorist who may accidentally crash into them,” Col Siripong added.
Col Siripong concluded by giving a warning to any motorist who want to continue to try yto make the illegal u-turns.
“Any vehicle that makes an illegal u-turn will face a fine of between B400 – B1,000. Right now if any car or bigger vehicle makes the illegal u-turn they will face the highest fine,” he said.