Restrictions on Heavy Vehicles in School and High Pedestrian Traffic Zones

Ms Lee Li Lian asked the Minister for Transport (a) how does LTA implement localised traffic schemes that restrict the entry of heavy vehicles to areas around schools or that have high pedestrian activity; (b) whether monitoring is done on a regular basis to assess the effectiveness of such schemes; and (c) whether LTA requires contractors who undertake projects to build flats or commercial projects to submit route planning for their heavy vehicles to ensure the safety of school children and residents living in the vicinity.

Heavy vehicles usually ply roads serving industrial areas, which are located away from residential areas. However, when there are construction activities within residential areas, some heavy vehicle movements are unavoidable. Before starting construction works, the developer or contractor will typically seek inputs from LTA on the routes of heavy vehicles moving to and from the site. In most cases, the localised traffic scheme and safety measures, such as warning signs, will also be shared with the community. Thereafter, LTA will monitor and make adjustments where necessary.

To further ensure the safety of school children in particular, as I mentioned at the Committee of Supply debate last month, the Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Committee has put together a comprehensive "toolkit" of School Zone safety initiatives. This will be piloted at 10 Primary schools this year before it is progressively extended to other schools.