Drivers Fined for Leaving Engines of Stationary or Parked Vehicles Idling

6 Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) for each year since 2009, how many drivers have been fined under the Environmental Protection and Management (Vehicle Emissions) Regulations for leaving the engines of their stationary or parked motor vehicles idling; and (b) how effective has public education been in reminding drivers to adhere to this Regulation.

The Senior Minister of State for the Environment and Water Resources (Dr Amy Khor Lean Suan) (for the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources): NEA adopts a multi-pronged approach to tackle pollution from idling vehicles. NEA carries out public outreach to engage motorists on the importance of switching off their vehicle engines when stationary. NEA works with authorised vehicle inspection centres, vehicle fleet owners and schools to disseminate educational pamphlets to raise awareness of the regulations and promote compliance. Signs reminding motorists against idling engines are installed at hot-spots. NEA has also stepped up checks and increased the penalty for idling engine offences in 2016.

The number of idling engine offences increased from 2,000 cases in 2009 to 6,400 cases in 2016. The concerted efforts by NEA since 2016 have led to a reduction to 3,200 cases in 2018 and further down to 2,800 in 2019. The number of repeat offenders also decreased from 19 cases in 2016 to only one in 2019.

We urge drivers to do their part to protect the health of others and reduce emissions by not leaving their engines idle when stationary.

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar (Ang Mo Kio): I thank the Senior Minister of State for the answers. It is heartening to know that the numbers have dropped over the years, from 2009 to 2019, over a period of 10 years. However, 2,800 is still quite a large number every year for enforcement acts to catch recalcitrants. So, I am just wondering whether awareness of this regulation is included in our Highway Code before drivers actually get the licence to drive vehicles.

Because, I am sure, for most of us here, we would sometimes come across stationary vehicles or parked vehicles and the engines are left idling. For me, I have gone up to the person myself and told him, "You should turn off your engine while the vehicle is stationary". Beyond that, how can public education efforts be stepped up so that the numbers can be further reduced and that the awareness is there? That is not just about protecting people's health but it is also being kinder to the environment.

Dr Amy Khor Lean Suan: Since December 2016, we have included the idling engine regulations as well as the penalty regime in the Handbook on Highway Code under the Eco-driving section and in the theory test. The idea really is, as the Member has said, to enhance awareness as well as compliance right from the start.

I agree with the Member that we need to look at even more ways for effective public outreach and education efforts. We have actually stepped up enforcement blitzes at hot-spots and increased the penalties since 2016. And since 2011, we have distributed more than 1.3 million educational pamphlets and flyers through various means – through the private vehicle fleet owners, schools, authorised vehicles inspection centres and so on. We will continue to look at ways for more effective public education and outreach efforts.

Mr Speaker: Order. End of Question Time. Introduction of Government Bills. Second Minister for Finance.

[Pursuant to Standing Order No 22(3), Question Nos 7 to 9 have been postponed to the sitting of Parliament on 27 February 2020.]