Yangon Regional Government to Legalize Motorbikes in Some Townships
Yangon Regional Government to Legalize Motorbikes in Some Townships
Myanmar Business Today, 11 Dec 2018
URL: https://www.mmbiztoday.com/articles/yangon-regional-government-legalize-motorbikes-some-townships
Yangon Regional Government is planning to legalize motorbikes in some townships, mainly in townships areas where public transportation can’t cover.
Despite a decades old ban on motorbike usage in Yangon, there is an increasing number of motorbike riders in Yangon who are breaching the ban. Therefore, Yangon City Development Committee and Yangon Region Transport Authority met on the matter in November to enforce motorbike riding.
“We are discussing with lawmakers to legalize motorbikes in Yangon. After that it will be discussed at the Regional Parliament and then be legalized with regional government’s approval,’’Dr. Maung Aung, secretary of YRTA, told Myanmar Business Today.
In outlaying areas such as Hlaing Thar Yar, Insein, North Okkalapa and Thaketa townships, people are still riding motorbikes despite the ban. Therefore, motorbikes might be legalized in some areas, but three-wheelers will not be allowed.
“In some areas, people need to use motorbikes because public transportation can’t cover. However, it is difficult for law enforcement to take action if accidents occur because they are riding motorbike illegally. If motorbikes are allowed with license, then taking action in accordance with law will become easier,’’Dr. Maung Aung added.
However, he said it is difficult to say when motorbikes will be allowed because it still needs to pass the legislation processes such as amending some prohibition and laws and enacting new ones.
At the moment in Yangon Region, motorbike usage is legal in Htauk Kyant, Thalin, Kyauktan, Thone Gwa, Khayan, Twante, Kawk Mhuu, Dala, Seikkyi-Khanaungtoe, Koko Island, Hlegu, Mhawbi, Taikkyi, and Htandabin Townships.
Despite a decades old ban on motorbike usage in Yangon, there is an increasing number of motorbike riders in Yangon who are breaching the ban. Therefore, Yangon City Development Committee and Yangon Region Transport Authority met on the matter in November to enforce motorbike riding.
“We are discussing with lawmakers to legalize motorbikes in Yangon. After that it will be discussed at the Regional Parliament and then be legalized with regional government’s approval,’’Dr. Maung Aung, secretary of YRTA, told Myanmar Business Today.
In outlaying areas such as Hlaing Thar Yar, Insein, North Okkalapa and Thaketa townships, people are still riding motorbikes despite the ban. Therefore, motorbikes might be legalized in some areas, but three-wheelers will not be allowed.
“In some areas, people need to use motorbikes because public transportation can’t cover. However, it is difficult for law enforcement to take action if accidents occur because they are riding motorbike illegally. If motorbikes are allowed with license, then taking action in accordance with law will become easier,’’Dr. Maung Aung added.
However, he said it is difficult to say when motorbikes will be allowed because it still needs to pass the legislation processes such as amending some prohibition and laws and enacting new ones.
At the moment in Yangon Region, motorbike usage is legal in Htauk Kyant, Thalin, Kyauktan, Thone Gwa, Khayan, Twante, Kawk Mhuu, Dala, Seikkyi-Khanaungtoe, Koko Island, Hlegu, Mhawbi, Taikkyi, and Htandabin Townships.