Forum: Consider yearly COE renewals to help seniors who need vehicles
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I would like to appeal to the authorities to allow certificates of entitlement (COEs) to be renewed on a yearly basis. This would make it more manageable for seniors like myself, and I believe many others are in the same situation.
I am 84, and I do my best to stay active, relevant and earn some income. I run a small business that depends on my van for deliveries, and I also take on ad hoc delivery jobs.
The COE for my van will expire in a few weeks. Renewing it for another five years will cost more than $35,000 – a sum that is beyond my means.
Without the van, I will have no choice but to close my business.
Moreover, if I fail my medical check-up at any point, I will no longer be allowed to drive, which makes it even harder to commit to such a long and costly renewal.
Seniors who continue working and remain independent despite their age should be recognised and supported. Not all of us have a nest egg to fall back on.
Allowing yearly COE renewals would give seniors like myself a fairer chance to stay self-reliant, while continuing to contribute to society.
Heng Keng Chun
