Enforcing Legislation to Reduce Air Pollution from Idling Cars

Mr Nicholas Fang asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources in light of measures aimed at improving air quality in Singapore, whether there are plans to enforce legislation that will reduce incidents of motorists leaving their cars idling while stationary which contribute to air pollution.

Under the Environmental Protection and Management (Vehicular Emissions) Regulations, it is an offence to leave the engine of a vehicle idling when the vehicle is stationary, other than due to traffic conditions. Leaving the engine running when the vehicle is stationary results in fuel wastage and unnecessary emission of exhaust gases. Offenders are liable for a maximum fine of $2,000 for the first offence and $5,000 for the second and subsequent offences if convicted in court. An average of 320 advisory notices a year has been issued in the last three years and to date 12 drivers have been offered notices of composition fine of $70.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) has adopted the approach of educating and advising drivers to switch off the engines when their vehicles are stationary. NEA has been working with large fleet operators, such as taxis and bus companies, the Singapore Transport Association, Singapore School & Private Hire Bus Owners' Association and National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS), to educate their drivers on this.

NEA has issued a total of 5,841 advisories in the last three years. We note a rising trend of feedback, with NEA receiving 2,021 feedback on idling vehicles in 2011, up from 1,902 in 2010 which shows that the public is becoming increasingly intolerant of inconsiderate motorists. Mr Fang can rest assured that my Ministry and NEA will continue to promote greater compliance through our educational efforts and enforcement actions against those who idle their engines. NEA will also continue with its dialogue sessions with fleet operators and the NATAS, to remind drivers to switch off the engines when their vehicles are stationary. Members of the public can also help us spread this message. The public can contact the NEA call centre at 1800-2255632, Contact_Nea@nea.gov.sg or "myEnv" mobile application to provide feedback on these issues.