Debated in Parliament on 26 Sep 2025.
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for National Development (a) how many zebra crossings in HDB estates have been converted to courtesy crossings in the last three years; (b) what is the policy rationale for converting a zebra crossing to a courtesy crossing; and (c) whether the Ministry is concerned that this trend may create confusion and compromise pedestrian safety.
Between 2022 and 2024, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) converted 37 zebra crossings to courtesy crossings in HDB estates.
HDB started implementing zebra crossings in HDB estates from 2007 onwards. Subsequently, we received feedback that some of the existing zebra crossings in HDB estates could affect the safety of pedestrians as it gave them a false sense of security when they crossed the road. Such crossings were typically in locations where the motorists did not have direct line of sight of the zebra crossings, such as those near right-angled turns.
To ensure safety of residents, HDB has been converting some zebra crossings into courtesy crossings, complemented with other traffic calming measures, such as road humps, where feasible. Courtesy crossings encourage both pedestrians and motorists to exercise greater care – pedestrians are reminded to check their surroundings before crossing and motorists are reminded to slow down.
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