Rationale for Categorising Vehicles and Differentiating Allowable Parking Spaces for Vehicles by Weight Instead of Size

74 Ms Carrie Tan asked the Minister for Transport what is the rationale for (i) categorising vehicles by weight instead of size and (ii) differentiating allowable parking spaces for lorries by weight instead of size.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: Commercial vehicles, in particular goods vehicles, are categorised by Maximum Laden Weight (MLW) in numerous countries around the world, including the United Kingdom and European Union member states. Vehicles that are loaded beyond their design weight are less able to stop quickly during an emergency and steer effectively at road bends.

Stemming from vehicle categorisation, the allowable parking spaces for lorries are also based on weight. Heavy goods vehicles with an MLW that exceeds 5,000 kilogrammes are mandated to park at designated heavy vehicle parks from 12.00 am to 6.00 am, given the additional safety considerations, namely, such vehicles parking at residential areas overnight.