Review of Vehicle Safety Requirements for Accessibility of Emergency Mechanical Door Releases and Recall or Inspection Actions for Electrical and Door System Failures

Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Minister for Transport in light of recent overseas recalls of vehicles concerning inaccessible emergency mechanical door releases (a) whether LTA will review whether Singapore’s vehicle-safety requirements adequately ensure occupants can exit a vehicle after electrical or door-system failure; and (b) what recall, inspection or other safety action it will take where equivalent risks are identified in locally registered vehicles.

The Land Transport Authority regularly reviews vehicle safety requirements to keep pace with industry and technological developments, including electronic door systems. We monitor closely international safety standards, including the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Regulations on door latches and hinges which all vehicles in Singapore must comply with.

We note that China has issued a recall for all vehicles with electronic door systems where the mechanical emergency releases may be difficult to locate or operate in times of emergency and we are reaching out to the Chinese authorities to better understand the basis for the recall.

In the meantime, all drivers and vehicle users should familiarise themselves with the vehicles which they are using, including the location and operation of mechanical emergency door releases. Owners who have queries about their specific vehicles should contact their motor dealers.