Question:
Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) what are the findings from the trial of using speed-tracking devices for heavy vehicles in 2018; and (b) whether there are plans to mandate speed-tracking devices for heavy vehicles to curb speeding.
Answer:
1. Today, the Traffic Police (“TP”) already requires the use of speed limiters for heavy vehicles. One limitation, however, is that the speed limiters can be tampered with.
2. Between Dec 2017 and Aug 2018, TP conducted a trial on speed-tracking devices, to assess if they might be more effective than speed limiters in discouraging heavy vehicle drivers from speeding.
3. TP concluded from the trial that even though the speed-tracking devices were accurate in measuring vehicle speed, they were also susceptible to being tampered. They do not therefore confer significant advantages over speed limiters.
4. In addition, the cost to install the speed tracking devices is not low, so TP has decided not to make it mandatory. TP will continue to require the use of speed limiters in heavy vehicles.
5. TP will continue to monitor the development of other technologies that can help discourage speeding. TP will also continue to adopt a multi-pronged strategy to getting heavy vehicle drivers to drive safely, including strict enforcement, and sustained engagement and education.
