ROAD HUMPS IN VICINITY OF SCHOOLS

ROAD HUMPS IN VICINITY OF SCHOOLS:

(Installation): 16.

Mdm Ho Geok Choo asked the Minister for Transport whether his Ministry plans to install road humps in the vicinity of schools to slow down speeding vehicles and prevent accidents involving students and what is his Ministry's policy on the installation of road humps.

Mrs Lim Hwee Hua (for the Minister for Transport): Sir, road humps are a traffic calming measure normally constructed along minor or local residential roads where traffic volumes are relatively lower and where fast-moving traffic poses a safety concern. Road humps are not used on major roads as they affect the efficient performance of these roads. Instead, road signs or road markings are used to alert motorists to keep to a safe speed. Therefore, where appropriate, road humps have been provided in the vicinity of schools sited on minor or residential roads.

The safety of road users, including school children, is a top priority when LTA

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constructs new roads or modifies traffic schemes to cater to changes in the environment. Recognising the need to pay special attention to the needs of younger school children, LTA has introduced the Enhanced School Zone (ESZ) scheme to all primary schools since 2004.

The ESZ comes with special features: a red textured asphalt pavement, road markings and traffic signs placed within the vicinity to alert motorists to slow down and look out for school children. Depending on the specific road conditions, the ESZ may be complemented by other traffic management measures such as road humps, signalised pedestrian crossings, zebra crossings, railings, centre dividers, traffic warning signs or road markings.

Ensuring road safety is a shared responsibility. I therefore encourage motorists to drive carefully when travelling on roads near schools, and pedestrians to make use of pedestrian crossing facilities. Schools and parents can also play an important role in inculcating good road safety habits in our young.

Mdm Ho Geok Choo: Sir, I would like to ask the Minister of State when does the Ministry actually consider it appropriate to install road humps in addition to the signages like the Enhanced School Zone and Slow Down markings.

Mrs Lim Hwee Hua: Sir, as I have explained in my reply, road humps are used judiciously, and the overall performance of the road concerned would be a major consideration.