Kang Theany, a student at Phnom Penh’s Tuol Tumpoung High School, never installed rearview mirrors on her motorbike despite the fact that police began fining those without mirrors in December. “It just isn’t cool to have mirrors,” she said.
Luckily for her, police have suspended the compulsory—though arbitrarily enforced—fines during the commune election period, police officials said Thursday.
Touch Naruth, municipal police chief, said he asked Phnom Penh police to stop the fines two weeks ago, when campaigns began March 16, because he wanted to keep traffic flowing smoothly throughout the election period.
“I do not want anybody to allege that traffic police stop party rallies by asking people for money,” he said.
He added that anyone without mirrors would be fined once the election is over on Sunday.
Touch Naruth also said he has observed about a 20 percent drop in people using their mirrors since the campaigns began.
“We don’t force them to have mirrors, but people must know they are important,” said Chev Hak, deputy traffic police chief.
Mirrors help reduce accidents, but the government should also inform people about the dangers of speeding, drink-driving and not wearing a helmet, said Sann Socheata of Handicap International.
