ADJOURNMENT MOTION

Inche Abdul Hamid: Sir, I move,

That this Assembly do now adjourn.

Mr Chew Swee Kee: I second it.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolved,

That this Assembly do now adjourn.

Adjourned accordingly at 11.59 a.m. to 11th September, 1957.

Wednesday, 21st August, 1957

Speed limit in housing estates and residential areas;

traffic "island" at Serangoon Garden Way;

and zebra-crossing at 6th m.s. Yio Chu Kang Road

Mr Lim Choon Mong asked the Minister for Communications and Works whether he will, in the interest of safety to children and pedestrians,-

(i) impose a 20 m.p.h. speed limit for vehicles using roads in Housing Estates such as Serangoon Garden Estate, and residential areas such as Lim Ah Pin Road and Hillside Drive;

(ii) enlarge the traffic "island" at Serangoon Garden Way; and

(iii) install a zebra-crossing at the 6th milestone, Yio Chu Kang Road.

Mr Francis Thomas: None of the matters on which the Honourable Member seeks information falls within the portfolio of the Minister for Communications and Works; but since the Honourable Member is unaware of the authorities to whom he should address himself the answers to his questions are:-

(a) His question No. (i)

Under Section 23 of the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 227) it is the Deputy Commissioner of Police who, with the concurrence of the highway authority, imposes speed limits over specified roads.

I am informed that various factors have to be taken into account in the imposition of speed limits :the imposition of a speed limit alone cannot ensure the safety of pedestrians or children or a reduction in accidents. The problem of limits must be considered separately for each housing estate.

A speed limit of 20 m.p.h. has already been in force for over two years (i.e., since 10th May, 1955) over the roads of Serangoon Garden Estate.

In Sennett Estate a speed limit of 20 m.p.h. has been imposed since 4th May, 1954.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police and the highway authority have not yet considered it necessary to impose a similar speed limit on the roads of any other housing estate or residential areas, but will no doubt consider any suggestions which the Honourable Member will wish to make to them.

(b) His question No. (ii)

There is some doubt as to which 'island' is referred to. But if the Honourable Member will clarify whether he means the pedestrian refuge at Yio Chu Kang Road or the Serangoon Garden Way roundabout, the suggestion will be referred to the Rural Board as the highway authority for their consideration.

(c) His question No. (iii)

This suggestion is being referred to the Rural Board.