SINGAPORE - The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has stepped up enforcement at the Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints against evasion of payment of Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fees, fixed Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) fees and toll charges.

In a statement on Monday (July 25), LTA estimated that, between March and May, revenue loss was about 8 per cent of its total tolls and fees revenue.

Besides installing more signs leading to and within the checkpoints, LTA said it had increased the number of officers deployed for enforcement duty at both checkpoints by close to 20 per cent, to almost 100. The number will progressively go up if deemed necessary.

From Aug 1, a composition sum of $50 for motorists who evade the tolls and fees will be introduced, while repeat offenders will have to pay $100.

This is up from the $10 administrative fee payable today.

Motorists who do not pay the composition sum and who are then charged for tolls and fees evasion are liable on conviction to a fine of up to $1,000, or up to three months' imprisonment for the first offence.

LTA said it was also studying two other approaches to tackle the issue.

First, the possibility of amending the Road Traffic Act to prohibit the entry and exit of foreign vehicles with unpaid tolls, fees, taxes, penalties or composition sums.

Secondly, strengthening controls over the collection of fees and tolls for vehicles entering and departing Singapore.

It is also working with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on the feasibility of having ICA's drop-arm barriers lifted only when the motorist has paid all tolls and fees.