Debated in Parliament on 15 Feb 2022.
Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng asked the Minister for Transport (a) what are the types and frequency of enforcement actions taken against errant active mobility device riders who speed or ride on pathways where they should not; and (b) whether more resources can be provided for stricter enforcement, especially on pathways affected by infrastructure works in the Central District.
Mr Speaker, Sir, for the safety of all path users, several teams of Active Mobility Enforcement Officers (AMEOs) are deployed daily, including at night, to deter and detect errant active mobility device riders. They also conduct frequent joint enforcement operations with NParks officers in parks and along park connectors. LTA has also been tapping on technology for enforcement, including a pilot deployment of mobile closed circuit televisions (CCTVs) to catch errant users and identification of hotspots based on public feedback from the MyTransport.SG mobile application.
Offenders caught speeding or using the wrong path, for example, e-scooter or power-assisted bicycle (PAB) riders who use footpaths, are issued with an offence form on the spot. AMEOs also conduct checks on active mobility devices to ensure that the devices meet the requirements stipulated by LTA and have not been illegally modified. Non-compliant devices will be immediately seized.
Where footpaths are affected by infrastructure works, LTA will ensure that alternative crossings or paths are available and signages are installed to guide path users. If necessary, LTA will deploy AMEOs to tackle egregious active mobility offences at these locations. With close to 6,000 kilometres of footpaths and cycling paths islandwide, enforcement alone will not prevent errant behaviour. Ultimately, path safety is a collective responsibility and we urge all users to play their part to use our shared spaces in a responsible manner.
Ms Denise Phua.
I thank the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the answer. I would like to request special attention be given to especially the North-South Corridor (NSC), which is a long stretch of project works along roads in the Central District. Works, such as the NSC, are right in the residential areas in central Singapore, such as Thomson Road and so forth. Not anybody's fault, but it poses a lot of challenges for both LTA and the residents.
My grassroots and I meet very regularly with the LTA team. And I know they are trying really hard, but I think they will need a lot more resources to be dedicated to address a lot of these issues that happen. Things like the narrow pathways, where there are errant PMD riders and errant contractors who proceeded with noisy works even beyond the agreed hours. I feel so much that the LTA team needs a lot more support. I am, therefore, asking for MOT to direct more resources to support these staff, for a win-win for both the residents and the staff. I would like to request special attention and resources be given to the NSC staff working on the project in central Singapore.
I would like to thank Member Denise Phua for her very useful feedback, and also from grassroots leaders about the inconveniences caused by the works of the North-South Corridor, along Thomson-Balestier area.
Because of the works, a lot of the diversion has to take place and, therefore, the paths become a bit narrower than usual and, especially along bus stop areas, where there is a concentration of commuters, cyclists, it does pose a challenge.
So, with feedback, LTA has been periodically deploying enforcement officers at these areas to look out for errant riders. We really seek the public's understanding during this period. When the NSC is completed, there will be dedicated active mobility paths where users can enjoy such conveniences.
I also note Members' feedback about the works causing noise during certain hours. We will take note and we will work with the contractors to ensure that the works do not cause unnecessary disturbances or inconvenience to the Member's residents.
We will deploy necessary resources to manage this, but as the Member knows, the NSC is a huge project, spanning from the northern part of Singapore to downtown. So, we will have to manage our resources properly.
At this point, I would like to also take this opportunity to urge all path users, both pedestrians and active mobility riders, to really take note and, especially in crowded places, in narrow spaces, to look out for one another, slow down and play a part to ensure that our common spaces, our shared spaces, are being used safely by everybody.
PAPERCUTS