Traffic Signs Partly Covered by Trees and Shrubs
Ministry of TransportSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the monitoring of traffic signs obscured by vegetation and the measures implemented to ensure their visibility to motorists. Mr Ang Hin Kee questioned the inspection process, prompting Senior Minister of State Dr Lam Pin Min to explain that no-planting zones of 75 metres on expressways and 45 metres on other roads are enforced. NParks conducts monthly inspections, while LTA performs road checks every week for expressways, every two weeks for major roads, and every eight weeks for minor roads. Senior Minister of State Dr Lam Pin Min noted that LTA rectifies defects like faded or blocked signs and coordinates with NParks for necessary tree pruning. These regular inspection cycles and multi-agency protocols ensure that road signs remain unobstructed and well-maintained for safety.
Transcript
14 Mr Ang Hin Kee asked the Minister for Transport (a) how does the Ministry check for traffic signs that are partially covered by vegetation, such as tree branches and shrubs, along roads and expressways; and (b) what are the measures in place to ensure that these signs are visible to motorists and that pruning takes place regularly.
The Senior Minister of State for Transport (Dr Lam Pin Min) (for the Minister for Transport): Mdm Speaker, LTA stipulates that trees cannot be planted within 75 metres in front of advance directional signs on expressways, or 45 metres on all other roads. No-planting zones are also established around pedestrian crossings to ensure that motorists have a clear view of pedestrians. The size of these no-planting zones depends on the site conditions, such as the geometry of the road and the speed limit.
In addition, NParks conducts inspections at least once a month to make sure that greenery does not block the visibility of crossings and signs.
Mr Ang Hin Kee (Ang Mo Kio): Mdm Speaker, a supplementary question. How does LTA, therefore, ensure that traffic signs are also visible and well-maintained?
Dr Lam Pin Min: Mdm Speaker, I would like to thank Mr Ang for the supplementary question. LTA inspects roads at regular intervals − weekly for expressways, every two weeks for major roads and every eight weeks for minor roads. During inspections, if LTA detects road defects, such as faded signs and signs blocked by trees or shrubs, LTA will rectify the defects and also alert NParks should there be any trees that obstruct the road signs.