Question:
Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs with the increase in fatalities caused by red-light running and speeding in 2023 as compared to 2022 (a) whether there will be tougher enforcement actions being taken against offenders; and (b) whether the Traffic Police will prioritise the deployment of speed traps or red-light cameras in traffic junctions or areas where there is a high footfall of elderly, children and vulnerable pedestrians around schools, markets and shopping belts.
Answer:
Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:
1. The Traffic Police (TP) intends to significantly step up enforcement against speeding. From the second quarter of this year, it will be activating the speed enforcement function in red-light cameras, especially at locations that are more accident- or speeding-prone.
2. We have also put in place tough laws to complement enforcement efforts. The Road Traffic Act was amended in 2019 to increase maximum imprisonment terms and fines for irresponsible driving offences such as dangerous or careless driving. In 2021, the School Zone Demerit Points regime was expanded to cover Silver Zones. Fines and demerit points were also increased for certain offences committed within these two types of zones. This was to improve road safety for school-going children and the elderly.
3. TP intends to further increase fines and demerit points to further strengthen deterrence against irresponsible driving behaviour. More details will be announced later this year.
