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Published on August 27, 2007

And, hundreds of motorcycle owners have failed to reclaim vehicles confiscated in lieu of fines from police stations throughout the province.

The Chiang Mai, Chang Puak, Phu Pingkrachnivet Mae Ping stations have no space left to keep the motorcycles.

Police have been forced to post guards to stop owners from stealing them back.

Now, instead of impounding vehicles police are recording licence numbers or taking driver's licences.

In a bid to catch delinquent fines officers are using checkpoints to catch motorists.

However, provincial deputy superintendent Colonel Chamnan Ruadraew said checks are governed by the Road Traffic Act and unpaid fines are the responsibility of the department. The police are prepared to help, he added.

According to department records, motorcycles with loud or modified exhausts are the most common offence, followed by failure to wear helmets. Most offenders are teenagers.