Balancing Needs of Motorists and Pedestrians with Increasing Number of Silver Zones Built

20 Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for Transport with the increasing number of Silver Zones to be built, how will the Ministry strike a balance between the needs of motorists and pedestrians at these Silver Zones.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: Silver Zones were launched in 2014 to improve safety for seniors. They include features such as (i) longer green man timings; (ii) two-stage crossings for seniors; (iii) reduced speed limit of 40 km/h; (iv) speed bumps and bus-friendly humps; and (iv) narrowing of lanes with a centre divider. These features would inconvenience the motorists, but are necessary to enhance safety for senior pedestrians. Since the implementation of Silver Zones, there has been a 75% drop in road accidents involving senior pedestrians within these zones.

Silver Zones are implemented in places with a high proportion of senior residents, and where there have been past accidents involving seniors. LTA consults the local community and considers the needs of all stakeholders, including motorists and seniors in deciding on the location and design of the Silver Zones.