Debated in Parliament on 12 Nov 2012.
Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs in view of the fatal road accidents involving children near schools in January and October this year (a) what additional measures are in the pipeline to boost road safety around school zones; and (b) whether the Ministry can provide an update on the implementation of these measures.
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Mr Speaker, I am saddened by the two fatal accidents in January and October this year involving two school children. I am sure all Members will sympathise with their families.
Both accidents, unfortunately, happened along Sembawang Drive outside Sembawang Primary School. The area outside Sembawang Primary School is already a designated Enhanced School Zone, which means it has a signalised pedestrian crossing, a road hump, an overhead traffic light signal and road divider railings. Following the accident in January, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) installed a pedestrian count-down signal.
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The Traffic Police (TP) has recently conducted daily observations of the road over a 10-day period to determine if there are specific issues on this stretch of road that require further measures to be implemented. TP will also take into account the outcome of the Police investigations into the October accident, which are still ongoing, as well as the findings of the coroner's inquiry into the cause of the January accident.
TP will continue to send letters to parents of school-going children to raise awareness of road safety messages. TP is also working with the Ministry of Education to review and develop age-appropriate road safety education schemes to schools. We will release more details once they are ready.
Order. End of Question Time.
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