Enhanced Safety Zones near Secondary Schools

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for Transport whether the Ministry will consider having enhanced safety zones (red texture road surface) at secondary schools.

Mr Lui Tuck Yew: The Enhanced School Zone scheme was developed and introduced in 2005 to enhance safety at primary schools, as younger students were identified as vulnerable road users due to their limited experience in using roads.

These zones are uniquely designed with red textured surfaces laid along partial sections of the road fronting a primary school. Its purpose is to alert motorists that they are approaching a section of the road where there may be school activities and to watch out for students.

The Enhanced School Zone scheme is a special scheme which is limited to primary schools and special schools, where it is most needed. This is so that the scheme can sustain its effectiveness and motorists would not see them as common road markings, which could be the case if it is proliferated to other schools. LTA has in place other measures to enhance road safety at all schools in general, including secondary schools. These include pedestrian crossings and traffic devices such as humps, strips, railings, and so on.

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Besides hard infrastructure, good road safety behaviour is also important in enhancing road safety. LTA works closely with the Traffic Police (TP), schools and local communities in creating road safety awareness through communication and education at targeted locations.

LTA will continue to work with the stakeholders to review and improve the road safety conditions at our schools. If there are conditions at specific schools that Mr Lim wishes to highlight, LTA will be happy to look further into them.