The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Traffic Police (TP) take a serious view of errant lorry drivers who flout safety rules.
Over two weeks, from 22 June to 6 July 2010, LTA and TP officers have intensified their efforts, and conducted operations at various locations including Kaki Bukit, Pioneer Road, Tuas and Woodlands.
During the 2-week operations, 90% of lorries checked by LTA officers were found to have complied with the safety regulations. A total of 368 lorries were caught flouting the safety rules.
Offences include carriage of passengers exceeding the Maximum Passenger Capacity, breach of the maximum allowable height (1.1 metre) of a seated passenger on the carriage deck, failure to ensure that the passenger seats in the lorry’s cabin are filled before passengers are conveyed on the carriage deck, and failure to display the Maximum Passenger Capacity label. Actions have been taken against these drivers and their owners.
In addition, 122 drivers were also summoned by TP officers for traffic offences such as speeding, failing to wear seat belt and failing to keep left.
Mr Tan Hiok Seng, LTA’s Director of Enforcement and Investigations said, “LTA takes a serious view of those who continue to flout the rules. We have and will continue to step-up our enforcement efforts. We hope that with the cooperation and commitment of all parties, we will be able to create a safer environment for workers.”
Commander Traffic Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Ng said: “We would like to remind all motorists that speeding, inconsiderate and careless driving are serious offences that have the potential to cause the loss of lives. Traffic Police will spare no efforts in ensuring that such driving behaviour will be kept to a minimum through continued enforcement and outreach.”
In addition to stepped-up enforcement efforts, LTA is considering doing more to improve the safety of lorries on our roads.
The LTA is reviewing whether the remaining safety measures announced in August 2009, for implementation by September 2012, can be brought forward. The outcome of the review will be announced when completed.
Safety is a shared responsibility, and lorry owners and drivers must take measures pro-actively to protect their workers and comply with safety regulations.
Members of the public are encouraged to call LTA’s hotline at 1800-CALL LTA (1800-2255 5582) to report any instances of non-compliance spotted on the road.
Annex A: Offences caught in joint LTA-TP enforcement exercise
Annex B: Details of measures to enhance safety of workers on lorries
