At least half a million vehicles in the country have not been inspected by the Motor Vehicle Technical Inspection Centres, according to Public Works and Transport Minister Sun Chanthol as he appealed to motorists to sign up for inspection in line with the laws to ensure public safety. “3.5 percent of the traffic accidents are caused by vehicles, therefore please drive them in for inspection for their technical accuracy for the safety of the public,” Chanthol said at the inauguration ceremony of a new Motor Vehicle Technical Inspection Center yesterday. Chanthol said there are 490,000 vehicles nationwide that have not been inspected yet and called on the people who own the vehicles to bring them for inspection, keeping in mind the safety of the people. To provide efficient service, the ministry has designed a new generation vehicle inspection system that is convenient for the people, he added. Chanthol also encouraged all the citizens who have expired driving licences to change or renew them and respect the traffic laws. He said the ministry has set up service centres at different locations and it takes just 15 minutes. There are 19 Motor Vehicle Technical Inspection Centers in the country – seven of them are in Phnom Penh and 12 in the provinces. “The authorities as well as the ministry never wanted to fine anyone, but we have to follow the law, therefore please respect the traffic laws. All of us want to provide better service and safety to all road users,” he said. Chanthol said the technical team of the department of information technology and public relations of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport has developed and upgraded the second generation vehicle technical inspection system. Sao Panharith, a 45-year-old local driver, welcomed the government’s move. “I have to have my car inspected at the Motor Vehicle Technical Inspection Center regulary every two years and in May I have to apply again,” he said. Pon Dung, a 54-year-old resident in Phnom Penh, said the authorities have urged all to apply for inspection, but there are many vehicles that should be on the road. “Some cars or trucks do not even look like cars or trucks at all, but they are driving normally on roads and some of them also have inspection certificates,” he said.