Forum: Clamp down on owners of noisy, modified vehicles

As more flats are built closer to roads or roads expanded to within a stone’s throw of residences, more people will end up living in a non-restful environment (No quiet at home: The reality of living with Singapore’s traffic noise, Dec 27).

Yet there is one aspect of noise abatement that is a solvable low-lying fruit if only there were more determination on the part of the agencies involved in using more effective enforcement measures.

I’m referring to the noise nuisance caused by modified cars and motorcycles, many of which are fitted with devices to emit loud popping noises, awakening residents as they roar along the roads at night, right next to flats.

I have written a number of times to the Land Transport Authority, which replied to say that such modifications are illegal and that the agency will monitor and strengthen enforcement. Yet, years have gone by and the issue is still rampant. If the enforcement method adopted has not changed the situation, then it is time to change the method.

Much like how scammers don’t seem to be deterred by fines and jail time alone, and Parliament has now added caning as a punishment, I propose stronger measures against illegal vehicle modifications.

A fine for the first offence should be accompanied by compulsorily taking the vehicle off the road for a month, and for a repeat offence, the vehicle should be impounded.

We shouldn’t be too worried about the Traffic Police compound running out of space for vehicles taken off the road because there will be few willing to run this huge risk.

For those bent on flouting the law and are inconsiderate to residents, we should not be pussyfooting around enforcement. A hard-hitting measure will solve the issue once and for all, saving enforcement resources for other areas.

Peh Chwee Hoe