Handling Refusal of Composition Fines for Bus Conduct Offences and Utilising Onboard CCTV Cameras to Identify and Trace Offenders

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Transport regarding the enforcement of bus conduct regulations (a) what standard approach, if any, does the Ministry take when suspected offenders refuse to pay composition fines; and (b) whether onboard closed-circuit television cameras will be utilised to identify and trace perpetrators.

Mr Jeffrey Siow: Where an offence has been committed, the offender may be offered a composition sum in lieu of being charged in Court. Generally, if a composition sum is not paid within the stipulated period, an offender may be charged in Court. Depending on the type of offence, an offender would be liable upon conviction to a fine of up to $5,000.

The Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage on buses is primarily used to ensure public transport safety and security. CCTV footage can be used to support enforcement officers in the identification and tracing of offenders, especially in egregious cases of misconduct.