Extra Checks on Reliability of Vehicles Selected for Use as Public Transport

Mr Ang Hin Kee asked the Minister for Transport in light of a recent recall of cars over a fault that can increase crash risks (a) whether LTA conducts extra checks on the reliability of vehicles selected for use on the roads, especially for taxis and private hire vehicles; and (b) beyond emission standards, what other checks are conducted on vehicles used for public transport at the point of registration and subsequent use on the roads.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) requires new vehicle types to be put through a robust type approval regime to ensure that they comply with internationally recognised vehicle safety standards before they can be allowed for use on our roads.

LTA also requires all in-use vehicles to be inspected regularly at LTA-authorised Inspection Centres to ensure that they are roadworthy. These inspections cover key vehicle components and systems, such as brakes, steering, tyres and exhaust systems. Besides these regular inspections, LTA and the Traffic Police also call up vehicles for ad hoc inspections to evaluate their safety and roadworthiness. Vehicles which fail these inspections are not allowed to be used on our roads.

Taxis, buses and heavy vehicles are generally subject to more stringent requirements. For example, only new vehicles are allowed to be registered as taxis, and LTA has stringent safety standards when purchasing new public buses. Taxis and public buses are also required to go for vehicular inspections more frequently and are subject to statutory lifespans of eight and 17 years respectively.

Separately, when a vehicle model is recalled, LTA requires motor dealers and importers to notify LTA and affected vehicle owners promptly and arrange with owners to rectify the affected vehicles. It is an offence for motor dealers and importers to not comply with this requirement. LTA's electronic Vehicle Recall System also allows vehicle owners to check if their vehicles are affected by the recall, as well as the progress of rectification works.