Traffic Police and LTA reviewing measure to curb heavy vehicles speeding issues

Two transport authorities in Singapore, Traffic Police and Land Transport Authority aka LTA has announced on the review of current measures to curb speeding by heavy vehicles.

Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Desmond Lee said this in Parliament on Tuesday (5th April), in reply to a question filed by Mr. Louis Ng (Nee Soon GRC).

The proposed measure was to install speed counters on heavy vehicles, which allows it to register each time the speed limit is exceeded for a prolonged period - A existing device that is retrofitted onto Singapore's military vehicles to prevent personnel from speeding.

It is understood at the present moment that goods vehicles with a maximum laden weight exceeding 12 tonnes or public service vehicles exceeding 10 tonnes are speed-restricted with speed limiter during the initial usage of the vehicles.

In addition, vehicles are to be sent for annual inspection to ensure the speed limiters are working and if these heavy vehicles are caught speeding, there will be additional inspections requested at shorter timeframe intervals to check on these drivers.

Tampering of Speed Limiters

While some vehicle owners / drivers tend to tamper with the speed limiter in order to drive at a faster speed.

Those found tampering with the speed limiting device can be fined up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to three months, while repeat offenders can be find up to $2,000 or imprisonment up to six months.

Demerit Point System For Offenders

For the current penalties for heavy vehicle drivers caught speeding, the fines ranging from $160 to $200 and four to eight points demerit points for exceeding the speed limit by up to 40 km/h. Those exceeded the speed limit by more than 40 km/h will be charged in court and given 12 to 24 demerit points - which literally means revoke of driving licence.