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Jan 30, 2008
Standardise amount of 'green' time at junctions
I AGREE fully with the writer of the letter, 'Help motorists not to beat the red light' (ST, Jan 26), on the point of checking regularly that the amber-light period is sufficient for the length of the intersection.

The period in which vehicles are allowed to cross a traffic-light junction varies greatly. In particular, the flashing right-turn arrow can range from a few seconds to tens of seconds.

At one traffic junction in Bedok North Road, five cars can turn even while the arrow is flashing, whereas the Lower Delta Road-Ganges Avenue junction allows only two cars to turn in total.

I cannot help but hesitate when I approach a junction for a right turn. If I stopped too early, I would prevent other vehicles from turning. If I stopped too late, I risked beating the red light, which carries a heavy penalty. This problem is aggravated when I am in unfamiliar areas.

I hope the authorities would take this into account in future upgrading or installation of traffic lights.

Vincent Lim How Siang


I SUPPORT the call by Mr Wong Bheet Huan to the Traffic Police and Land Transport Authority (LTA) to 'help motorists not to beat the red light'(ST, Jan 26).

I was recently given demerit points for beating the red light. As I had no recollection of the offence I wrote

to the Traffic Police to explain that if I had committed the offence it was unintentional and probably under difficult traffic conditions because I have been a careful driver in my many years of driving.

Now I find it extremely stressful each time I approach a road intersection.

Mr Wong's suggestions, particularly the one on installing a counter to indicate the amount of green time remaining, would be helpful to motorists who have no wish to beat the red light.

Jolly Wee Huat Choon

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