Bangkok: The Department of Rural Roads is set to implement measures aimed at reducing the use of streetlights on roads under its jurisdiction, all while ensuring public safety. This initiative is part of a broader effort to contribute significantly to the country's energy conservation objectives.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pichit Hunsiri, Director-General of the Department of Rural Roads, highlighted that the government's emphasis on national energy management has intensified due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This region is a crucial hub for global energy production and transportation. Consequently, the Department of Rural Roads (DRR) is aligning with the directives of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn. All agencies under the Ministry of Transport have been instructed to adhere to the government's energy conservation measures and explore strategies to minimize energy consumption.
The DRR's specific mandate involves reducing energy usage on rural highways without compromising safety standards. Measures include reducing street lighting in low-risk areas. Such areas are defined by factors such as low nighttime route usage, absence of hazardous conditions like intersections or dangerous curves, and no history of secondary accidents.
Guidelines for reducing electricity consumption will be enforced from May 1, 2026. This includes turning off some lights at night in low-risk areas while maintaining normal lighting in high-risk zones like intersections and residential areas. The DRR will set suitable power outage times for each locality, ensuring that operations do not affect national security or public safety.
Internal agencies under the Department of Rural Roads are tasked with surveying, analyzing, and assessing the suitability of areas for these measures. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential, and if any area is found to have increased risk, lighting will be promptly restored.
To support these changes, comprehensive public awareness campaigns will be conducted to ensure understanding among the public. For inquiries, citizens can contact Rural Roads Offices 1-18 and rural road districts nationwide, or use the hotline at 1146-513.