Number of Errant Power-assisted Bicycle and E-scooter Riders Fined in 2021 and Effectiveness of Mandatory Theory Test
Ministry of TransportSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Desmond Choo's inquiry regarding the number of errant power-assisted bicycle and e-scooter riders fined in 2021 and the mandatory theory test’s effectiveness. Minister for Transport S Iswaran stated that over 5,000 notices were issued in 2021, though early 2022 statistics remain inconclusive regarding the test's impact due to pandemic-related enforcement constraints. To promote compliance, LTA introduced discounted fees and prep materials, resulting in over 31,000 riders passing the test by March 2022. Enforcement efforts involve joint operations across paths and roads, augmented by technology like CCTVs and public feedback via the MyTransport app. Minister for Transport S Iswaran concluded that while enforcement and technology are utilized, personal responsibility and public education remain vital for road safety.
Transcript
22 Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for Transport (a) how many errant power-assisted bicycle and e-scooter riders are fined by the authorities in 2021; (b) whether there has been a decrease in the number of such errant riders since the implementation of the mandatory theory test; and (c) how will the Ministry ensure that all riders will undertake the mandatory theory test.
Mr S Iswaran: In 2021, over 5,000 notices were issued to errant riders for various offences on public paths and roads, such as speeding, reckless riding and riding at locations where they are disallowed. For example, Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) are disallowed on roads. This works out to an average of about 420 notices a month. Since enforcement of the mandatory theory test commenced in January 2022, an average of about 350 notices were issued to errant riders for various offences for the months of January and February. However, given the impact on enforcement resources over the past two years due to the pandemic, these numbers are not conclusive that the number of errant riders has decreased due to the mandatory theory test. LTA will continue to monitor closely to assess the impact more accurately.
LTA has implemented various initiatives to encourage Power Assisted Bicycle (PAB) and e-scooter riders to take and pass the mandatory theory test, such as providing a discounted test fee from June to December 2021; providing materials to help riders prepare for the test; and working with NTUC, food delivery companies and interest groups to raise awareness and ensure riders obtain the theory test certification. As of 15 March 2022, over 31,000 riders have passed the test, a significant number when viewed against the existing population of about 40,000 registered devices. About 120 notices have been issued for riding without valid theory test certification.
Efforts to improve public education and enforcement go hand in hand. Both the Traffic Police and LTA carry out day and night operations to enforce across 9,500 lane-kilometres of roads and close to 6,000 kilometres of footpaths and cycling paths islandwide. LTA also conducts regular joint operations with the Traffic Police on roads and the National Parks Board on paths. Increasingly, we are also augmenting our enforcement capabilities with technology, such as CCTVs, and through public feedback using our MyTransport app. However, enforcement cannot be the only solution. Everyone must play their part in behaving responsibly and graciously, as well as encourage their family members and friends to do so, on our shared roads and paths.