SINGAPORE - The Traffic Police and Land Transport Authority are reviewing measures to curb speeding by heavy vehicles, with changes to be announced later this year.
Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Desmond Lee said this in Parliament on Tuesday (April 5), in reply to a question filed by Mr Louis Ng (Nee Soon GRC).
Mr Ng asked if the Government would consider putting speed counters on heavy vehicles, which would register each time the speed limit is exceeded for a prolonged period.
Mr Lee told the House that the law requires speed limiters to be installed for goods vehicles with a maximum laden weight exceeding 12 tonnes (12,000kg), and for public service vehicles exceeding 10 tonnes (10,000kg).
These limiters restrict the maximum speed to 60kmh.
Vehicle owners are also required to send their vehicles for annual inspections to ensure these limiters are working. For vehicles caught speeding, there will be additional inspections mandated.
Additionally, those found tampering with the speed limiters can be fined up to $1,000 or imprisoned up to three months, while repeat offenders can be fined up to $2,000 or imprisoned up to six months.
Mr Ng also asked if there was a fine and demerit point system for heavy vehicle drivers caught speeding.
Mr Lee said current penalties include fines ranging from $160 to $200 and four to eight demerit points for exceeding the speed limit by up to 40kmh.
Those who exceed the speed limit by more than 40kmh will be charged in court and given 12 to 24 demerit points, Mr Lee added.
Mr Ng also said he was suggesting that speed counters be installed on heavy vehicles, similar to what is fitted on military vehicles.
"Most of us on the ground can see that a lot of the heavy vehicles are speeding, especially those carrying passengers in the back. I think if an accident happens, it's the loss of a lot of lives, including other commuters on the road," Mr Ng added.
Mr Lee said his ministry will take the suggestion into consideration.
In July last year (2015), two men were caught for tampering with the speed limiters of their heavy vehicles. The men, aged 41 and 47, were travelling at 75kmh and 73kmh respectively, exceeding the limit of 60kmh.
