Debated in Parliament on 9 Jan 2023.
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport in each year between 2020 and 2022 (a) how many persons have been caught (i) for the illegal use of Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) on roads and footpaths respectively and (ii) for having non-compliant PMDs; (b) what is the range of punishments imposed on each of the above categories; (c) whether any PMD has been impounded for any such offences; and (d) if so, how many have been impounded under each category.
From 2020 to 2022, there has been a decrease in the number of offences detected where Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) were ridden on roads/footpaths, and for non-compliant PMDs on public paths (Table 1). Non-compliant PMDs are seized if they do not comply with the device criteria for use on public paths, and PMDs detected on roads are also seized for safety reasons. As such, the number of PMDs seized would be the sum of these two figures.
Offenders convicted of riding on the wrong paths or riding PMDs on roads may be fined up to $2,000 and/or jailed up to three months for first-time offenders. The Land Transport Authority (LTA)'s Active Mobility Enforcement Officers also conduct checks on active mobility devices, for example, PMDs, to ensure that the devices meet the requirements stipulated by LTA. Where the offence is egregious, for example, the offender committed multiple offences, LTA will investigate and where appropriate, prosecute the offenders in Court.
LTA will not hesitate to take enforcement action against errant riders, and will continue to inculcate safe riding behaviours, rules and guidelines through sustained public education and outreach efforts.
PAPERCUTS