Minimising Potential for Traffic Police's Anti-drink Driving Operations to Cause Traffic Congestion

19 Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for Home Affairs in light of the recent anti-drink driving operations along the Central Expressway which have caused significant congestion on the expressway, how will the Traffic Police balance the need to enforce robustly against drink-driving against traffic congestion which impacts the accessibility of emergency vehicles and livelihoods of private hire drivers.

Mr K Shanmugam: The Traffic Police (TP) recognises that roadblocks pose inconvenience to motorists, including those who drive for a living. They are, however, a critical means of detecting and deterring drink driving and keeping other road users safe. TP judiciously manages the number and conduct of roadblock operations to reduce the impact on motorists, while maintaining the safety of our roads.

For the roadblock on 21 December 2024 along the Central Expressway (CTE), TP gave early notice to the Singapore Civil Defence Force and Land Transport Authority to enable the rerouting of emergency vehicles. TP officers stationed along CTE were also on hand to direct traffic as necessary, including emergency vehicles.