Effectiveness and Adequacy of Road Safety Measures Around Schools

Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether the Ministry is considering implementing additional speed reduction measures, such as speed bumps or lower speed limits, around school zones to further protect students; (b) what strategies are being employed or developed to manage high traffic volumes during school start and end times to minimise risks to students; and (c) how does the Ministry collaborate with schools and local communities to identify and address specific road safety concerns in school zones.

Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether there are ongoing or planned public awareness campaigns aimed at drivers to promote safer driving habits around schools; (b) whether the Ministry is exploring the use of technology, such as traffic cameras or digital speed signs, to enhance road safety in school zones; and (c) what initiatives are in place to promote and support safe walking and cycling routes for students commuting to and from school.

The road safety of students has been and will always be a key priority. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) started the School Zone scheme in 1996 to enhance road safety for school children. Today, all schools have a School Zone in its vicinity. School Zones have road safety features, which include additional signalised pedestrian crossings where necessary, lower speed limit and special signs and textured red coloured road surfaces, to alert motorists that they are entering a School Zone.

We also prioritise the installation of red-amber-green arrows at traffic light junctions near schools, replacing discretionary right-turn movements. To promote safe walking and cycling near some schools, footpaths are marked and have speed regulating strips before crossing points. Since 2014, we have put in place a School Zone Demerit Point (SZDP) scheme to deter errant motorists and encourage safer driving behaviour at School Zones. In 2021, Traffic Police (TP) increased demerit points and composition sums for offenders who contravene road traffic rules at School Zones.

Everyone has a part to play to keep the roads safe for all. In addition to infrastructure improvements, LTA and TP work closely with schools, the community and the Singapore Road Safety Council (SRSC) to develop road safety campaigns and programmes to promote good road safety habits. Road safety booklets are distributed to all Primary 1 students and educational banners are displayed at schools' frontages as a visual safety reminder to students. The LTA also shares digital materials on road safety, including videos, with schools to disseminate via their communication channels. With the new Electronic Road Pricing system (ERP 2.0), the vehicles' new On-Board Unit (OBU) will also alert motorists when they are approaching and driving within School Zones.

LTA has also initiated a Safe Route to School programme, in collaboration with primary schools and communities, where students' artworks are displayed onto road signs. In the process of creating the artwork, road safety messages are emphasised by students. These unique artworks are then displayed along the road to raise awareness among motorists and students, especially in the areas around the school where the students frequently commute. There are currently 40 schools on this programme and we will expand the programme to more schools. The LTA also embarks on the Path Safety Programme, which educates students on the various mobility devices and safe path-sharing habits through talks and school activities.

To manage the traffic surge during school arrival and dismissal timings, schools have protocols in place to manage vehicular movement within the campus. For example, schools have designated places for drivers to pick-up or drop-off students. LTA advises and works with schools on traffic management measures, such as improving the traffic flow of vehicles entering and exiting the school. Marshals would usually be deployed to guide and facilitate drop-off activities to facilitate traffic flow and to enhance students' safety. Some schools would also stagger their operating times to ease traffic congestion in the area.

LTA will continue to work with our schools and the community to enhance road safety of our students.