Enforcement against Foreign-registered Vehicles with Idling Engines
Ministry of Sustainability and the EnvironmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the enforcement of vehicular emission regulations against foreign-registered vehicles with idling engines, as raised by Mr Murali Pillai. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that NEA lacks ownership data for foreign vehicles to trace drivers via third-party reports, unlike for local vehicles. Consequently, enforcement action must be conducted in person by officers to accurately identify errant drivers at the scene. In response to public feedback, the agency increases patrols at reported locations and monitors hotspots for recurring contraventions. This strategy ensures compliance with noise, smoke, and idling engine standards where ownership records are not readily accessible.
Transcript
96 Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) why does NEA currently limit the taking of action under the Environmental Protection and Management (Vehicular Emissions) Regulations against drivers of foreign-registered vehicles only in circumstances where NEA officers had personally issued infringement notices to these drivers; and (b) what steps can be taken by NEA to establish the identity of and take action against, drivers of foreign-registered vehicles reported by third parties to have parked with idling engines in contravention of the Regulations.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: The Environmental Protection and Management (Vehicular Emissions) Regulations cover a range of vehicular emissions-related offences, including the use of noisy or smoky vehicles, and the idling of vehicle engines.
NEA takes enforcement action against drivers of vehicles found to have contravened the Regulations. When a member of public reports an alleged infringement by a foreign-registered vehicle, NEA is unable to contact the vehicle owner to trace the identity of the driver because unlike local vehicles, we do not have information on the ownership of foreign-registered vehicles. As a result, enforcement action against foreign-registered vehicles must be taken in person by NEA officers, to clearly identify the errant drivers.
Nonetheless, when NEA receives feedback from members of public on vehicles that contravene the Regulations, checks will be stepped up at the reported areas and enforcement action will be taken against errant drivers. NEA also regularly patrols hotspots and areas with recurring feedback.