Question:
Mr Lim Biow Chuan: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) since 2016, how many traffic summons have been issued to drivers of heavy vehicles travelling along Fort Road, Tanjong Rhu Road and Meyer Road; (b) what is the nature of the traffic violations committed by the drivers of such heavy vehicles; and (c) what else can be done to ensure the safety of other road users for that stretch of roads.
Answer:
1. There has been a high volume of heavy vehicle traffic along Fort Road, Tanjong Rhu Road and Meyer Road. This is due to their proximity to major construction and unloading sites, such as those for the Thomson-East Coast MRT Line and the Marina East Staging Ground.
2. In 2016 and 2017, Traffic Police detected a total of 170 traffic violations committed by heavy vehicle drivers along Fort Road, Tanjong Rhu Road and Meyer Road. Along these roads, the most common violation committed by heavy vehicle drivers was unauthorised U-turns.
3. Aside from deploying more officers to the affected roads and taking enforcement action against errant drivers, Traffic Police has also been engaging construction site operators in the area and fleet-owners whose vehicles ply the roads frequently. This allows Traffic Police to enlist their support and work with them to promote good driving behaviour among their drivers.
4.To manage road safety risks arising from high heavy-vehicle traffic, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has also developed traffic control plans for the area. As part of these plans, the travelling time and routes of heavy vehicles are carefully managed, such that peak hours and residential areas are avoided where possible. Site operators also conduct regular monitoring, to ensure that heavy vehicles adhere to the control plans.
