Prevalence of Accidents at Lentor Avenue-Yio Chu Kang Junction

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Transport (a) how many fatal accidents have occurred at the traffic light junction at Lentor Avenue and Yio Chu Kang Road so far this year; (b) what actions have been taken against motorists who cause death in fatal cases; and (c) whether any action will be taken by the Ministry to improve safety at this junction.

Mr Lui Tuck Yew: There was one fatal accident at the traffic light junction of Lentor Avenue, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6 and Yio Chu Kang Road in the first half of this year, on 25 January. Prior to this, there had been no major traffic accident at this junction for the last three years. Nonetheless, as MOT had shared in a response to the Member in April, we had asked LTA to take a closer look at the safety of the junction. Following the review, LTA will implement full traffic light control for right-turn movements for motorists approaching that junction along Lentor Avenue and Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6 by the end of this year. Motorists will have to wait for the traffic light to show the green arrow before making a right turn, even when there is a gap in the oncoming traffic.

Motorists who cause death due to reckless or dangerous driving, or rash or negligent acts, face a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment as well as a fine and a driving ban upon conviction. These penalties are aligned with other criminal acts under the Penal Code where a death is unintentionally caused.