The Transport Ministry wants the private sectors to set up more vehicle maintenance service centres throughout the country. Transport Minister Sun Chanthol made the call when launching a vehicle maintenance centre, TYRE PLUS, set up by World Bridge Car Solution in Phnom Penh yesterday, which provides vehicle and tyre maintenance. TYRE PLUS has two locations in Chak Angre Krom commune and Chamkar Mon district. “The ministry encourages the private sector to expand vehicle maintenance services throughout the country so that people can receive this service easily. It is also a mechanism to prevent and reduce traffic accidents,” he said. Regarding the prevention and reduction of traffic accidents, the ministry has made efforts to build, expand and improve infrastructure by continuing to equip roads with lights and reflective signs, as well promoting wearing helmets. “Traffic accidents cost the national, private sector more than $350 million per year,” he said. Chanthol said due to economic growth, the number of vehicles in Cambodia increase every year. So far, there are 5.8 million vehicles in the Kingdom. Meng Rithypol, a representative of TYRE PLUS, said the company will expand the centres to 25 locations throughout the country. “Our centres uphold international standards in human resources and use modern tools to ensure vehicle safety,” he said. According to a National Police report last week, the rate of traffic accidents in Cambodia has decreased by 729 cases, equivalent to around 23 percent, compared to the same period last year.