Increasing Incidence of Drivers Going Against Traffic

Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Transport (a) how many incidents of drivers going against the flow of traffic have there been in the last three years; (b) how many accidents have occurred due to this problem; (c) how does the Ministry assess the quality and clarity of its road signs; and (d) how does the Ministry decide if and when signs have to be installed or improved.

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Transport whether the LTA engages experts in behavioural and vision sciences to contribute their expertise in the design of road signs and junctions so as to minimise the risk of drivers inadvertently going against the flow of traffic.

The Second Minister for Transport (Mr Ng Chee Meng) (for the Minister for Transport): Mdm Speaker, may I have your permission to take Question Nos 7 and 8 together?

Mdm Speaker: Yes, please.

Mr Ng Chee Meng: The Traffic Police does not generally track and categorise accidents by the cause of vehicles going against the flow of traffic. However, for fatal accidents specifically, their data show that three have occurred in the past three years as a result of this behaviour.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) takes reference from international standards in the design and installation of road signs and markings. In addition, LTA engages independent, specialist road safety engineers to review the clarity and effectiveness of our road signs and markings for new roads, and undertakes regular safety audits of existing roads. Drivers should be extra careful and slow down if they are not familiar with the roads.

Dr Tan Wu Meng (Jurong): I thank the Second Minister for his answer. Some of my residents have mentioned that when the number of traffic signs adds up and as the junction has more turnings, it gets more complicated especially for older residents. Would the Ministry consider studying further how drivers of different ages, different experience levels, react to cluttered traffic junctions and road signs, both in the day time and at night?

Mr Ng Chee Meng: Mdm Speaker, on a yearly basis, LTA reviews up to 24 roads based on accident trends that occur each year. On top of that, we also take into account public feedback and review specific roads that residents may have issues with, to lend better clarity and ease of use. If I may offer the Member, perhaps, we can take this offline, and if specific areas require review, LTA will gladly do so.