Motorcycle owners call for license fee reduction

Protesters in front of the provincial office (Photo: DAP news)

19 August 2009
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

The demand for a lowering of motorcycle license fee due to its current high price has turned into a crying rally for 500 Motodoop (motorcycle taxis) drivers and motorcycle drivers who have gathered and drove in a procession along various streets in Sihanoukville. The motorcycle procession started in the afternoon of 17 August and it grew larger by the morning of 18 August. The motorcycle drives gathered in front of the Provincial office to protest and demand that the provincial authority resolve and find a solution to the high motorcycle license fees, as these drivers are not able them. Through a 2-hour negotiation between 8 representatives of the drivers and the Sihanoukville provincial governor, the representatives of the drivers accepted the temporary solution and the drivers decided to break up and return back home. According to a representative of the drivers, the temporary solution provided by provincial office was that motorcycles not bearing any license plate will not be confiscated. However, those who do not wear safety helmets or do not have rear view mirrors installed on their motorcycles will be arrested. As for the motorcycles that were already confiscated, a resolution will be provided on Friday. For the license fee, the provincial official is holding a meeting to send the request to the government to provide the arrangement to help motorcycle drivers.