Progress of Implementation of Silver Zones

Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for Transport (a) what is the progress of the implementation of the Silver Zones; (b) how has the Ministry sought to seek support from motorists; and (c) whether it has reduced the number of traffic incidents among vulnerable residents, such as children and the elderly.

As of end-August 2016, eight Silver Zones have been completed, out of the 50 that are planned by 2023. The next Silver Zone that will be completed at the end of this month is in Hougang.

Silver Zones are implemented with the support of the community. Prior to implementation, LTA distributes flyers and notices to residents, conducts site walks with grassroots leaders, and erects banners and electronic signs to inform motorists of the impending changes. After completion, LTA continues to gather feedback from residents and monitors the traffic situation. There is strong support for the Silver Zone programme, even amongst motorists.

This is not surprising because Silver Zones have been tremendously successful in reducing traffic accidents. For the eight locations where there are now Silver Zones, there were 48 accidents involving children and the elderly in the five-year period preceding implementation. Since the Silver Zones were implemented, the first zone two years ago, there has only been one such accident.