Proposal for Installation of Speed Limiters on Lorries that Ferry Workers

120 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Transport with regard to the safety of workers being transported on lorries (a) whether the Ministry has studied the proposal to install speed limiters on such lorries; and (b) whether there are any plans to implement such speed limiters on lorries used to transport workers.

Mr S Iswaran: Today, the Traffic Police already requires all heavy vehicles, including lorries with a maximum laden weight greater than 12,000 kilogrammes, to be installed with speed limiters. All such heavy vehicles are imposed with a maximum speed limit of 60 kilometres per hour as there is a greater risk of serious injuries or fatalities when such vehicles are involved in accidents. The speed limit applies to all heavy vehicles, regardless of whether they are used to ferry workers.

Agencies are studying further measures such as requiring speed limiters for lorries with lower maximum laden weight, or other technologies that can help to deter speeding, improve driver behaviour and reduce accidents. Employers should continue to do their part to ensure the safety of their workers, and educate and remind drivers of their obligations and responsibilities to ensure safety.