Management of Traffic Congestion During Anti-Drink Driving Enforcement Operations

Question:

Mr Desmond Choo: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs in light of the recent anti-drink driving operations along the Central Expressway which have caused significant congestion on the expressway, how will the Traffic Police balance the need to enforce robustly against drink-driving against traffic congestion which impacts the accessibility of emergency vehicles and livelihoods of private-hire drivers.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1. The Traffic Police (TP) recognises that roadblocks pose inconvenience to motorists, including those who drive for a living. They are, however, a critical mean of detecting and deterring drink driving, and keeping other road users safe. TP judiciously manages the number and conduct of roadblock operations to reduce the impact on motorists, while maintaining the safety of our roads.

2. For the roadblock on 21 December 2024 along the Central Expressway (CTE), TP gave early notice to the Singapore Civil Defence Force and Land Transport Authority to enable the re-routing of emergency vehicles. TP officers stationed along the CTE were also on hand to direct traffic as necessary, including emergency vehicles.