Comparative Frequency and Severity of Oil Spills on Singapore Roads

41 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Transport (a) how do the frequency and severity of oil spills on our roads compare with other major cities; and (b) what are the estimated economic losses due to the damage and travel delays caused.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: Other major cities do not publish data of oil spills on roads and, hence, we are unable to compare.

Minor oil spills are quite common on our roads and there are at least three or four per day. However, major oil spills that require road repairs are infrequent. There were two in 2014 and seven last year. Of these, only three caused major tailbacks. Depending on assumptions on the economic value of time, we estimate the costs to be in the region of $200,000 to $300,000 for each of these tailback incidents.

We are looking to impose a stronger deterrent against major oil spills.