Measures to Deal with Roadblock Evasions
Ministry of Home AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns measures to address roadblock evasions, as Mr Desmond Choo inquired about the protection of officers and road users and the need for legislative reviews. Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam explained that the Police use beacons, signage, and reflective gear to ensure visibility, while deploying vehicles to slow traffic safely. During pursuits, sirens and blinkers are used to alert road users, and the Police may terminate the chase if it becomes too dangerous for the public. To deter such behavior, the Ministry amended the Police Force Act to increase penalties for evasion to a fine of up to $5,000 and/or one year of imprisonment. This alignment with Penal Code penalties for rash driving ensures that motorists who evade roadblocks or endanger lives are dealt with firmly under the law.
Transcript
21 Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for Home Affairs in light of the increasing trend of roadblock evasions (a) how is the Ministry protecting Police Officers at such roadblocks; (b) how can road users be better protected during consequent car chases; and (c) whether there is a need to review the current legislation to deter roadblock evasions.
Mr K Shanmugam: Police conduct road blocks to deter and detect crime. The safety of Police Officers and the general public is an important consideration in the planning and execution of roadblocks. Light beacons and signs are also placed ahead of the roadblocks to give motorists advance notice to slow down their vehicles, while officers don reflective vests to make them more prominent to road users. Police vehicles are deployed in a manner to cause approaching vehicles to slow down safely.
The vast majority of motorists who encounter a roadblock comply with the directions of the Police. In the event of an evasion, Police will pursue the vehicle with full consideration for the safety of road users. Police will alert road users through the use of sirens and blinkers. Members of the public are advised to give way to Police vehicles in a safe manner. Depending on the circumstances, Police will terminate the pursuit if it becomes too dangerous.
Roadblock evasion is irresponsible and dangerous. As such, my Ministry amended the Police Force Act last year to increase the penalties for such offences. Offenders can be fined up to $5,000 and/or jailed up to one year. This is aligned with the penalty for the Penal Code offence of rash driving or riding which endangers the life or personal safety of others. Motorists who evade Police roadblocks or otherwise endanger the lives of others will be dealt with firmly under our laws.