Debated in Parliament on 4 Oct 2023.
Mr Ong Hua Han asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether LTA intends to activate 24/7 on-demand audible traffic signals beyond the 325 pedestrian crossings identified at 10 town centres; (b) how many noise disamenity complaints has LTA received from residents living in close proximity to audible traffic signals; and (c) whether LTA has considered integrating traffic signals with third party applications to enable persons with visual impairment (PwVIs) to safely cross roads.
Since 2004, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has implemented audible traffic signals to assist Persons with Visual Impairments (PwVIs) to navigate and commute independently. Presently, 1,300 pedestrian crossings are equipped with audible traffic signals that operate from 7.00 am to 9.00 pm. It does not operate in the late-night hours to reduce noise disamenity to nearby residents. Over the last five years, LTA received, on average, eight feedback a year on noise disamenity due to audible traffic signals. These were resolved by reducing the volume of the audio devices.
As part of the Enabling Masterplan 2030 to further enhance the mobility of PwVIs, LTA announced in April this year that 325 pedestrian crossings across 10 town centres will be installed with 24/7 on-demand audible traffic signals by 2025. To-date, the installation has been completed at 62 pedestrian crossings in towns, such as Bedok, Tampines and Jurong West. LTA is on track to complete installation at the remaining pedestrian crossings by 2025. LTA, together with the Ministry of Social and Family Development, will monitor the usefulness of the feature and assess whether to implement more of them.
LTA is also studying the technological feasibility of integrating traffic signals with third party applications to enhance the mobility of PwVIs.
PAPERCUTS