LIGHTING IN BUSES

Mr David Marshall asked the Deputy Prime Minister whether he will give details of the extent of lighting required to be provided for in buses with particular reference to the entrances to buses.

Dr Toh Chin Chye: Mr Speaker, the law requires that adequate artificial lighting shall be provided for the illumination of the interior of a bus at all times between sunset and sunrise when passengers are being carried.

The number of lights in the interior of a bus varies according to the size of the bus. A large bus (overall length 30 ft.) has eight to ten lights, and a smaller bus (overall length 27 ft. 6 ins.) has six lights. The average spacing between these lights is four to seven feet, suitably distributed along the ceiling. The arrangement of the lights is such that invariably there are two lamps in close proximity to the entrance.

Internal illumination is further augmented by the infiltration of light from illuminated rear number plate and destination box situated at the rear end of the ceiling. The lamps in the interior of the bus normally have frosted glass covers and are usually 10" long 4" wide. Voltage is 24 and wattage 36.

Some buses have one light and some have two on the steps at the entrances. These lights are usually small (3" x 1") and recessed. Voltage is 24 and wattage is from 3 to 5.

Mr David Marshall: Is the Deputy Prime Minister aware that some bus companies, with an eye to economy, are in fact ignoring these regulations and cutting sometimes as much as half the required number of lights in their buses?

Mr Speaker: The supplementary question being?

Mr David Marshall: Is the Deputy Prime Minister aware?

Mr Speaker: That is giving information.

Mr David Marshall: Is he aware that such is the case?

Mr Speaker: That is giving information.

Mr David Marshall: And would he take steps?

Dr Toh Chin Chye: Mr Speaker, if the Member for Anson would patrol the streets of Singapore and take down the numbers of buses which, to his knowledge, are inadequately illuminated and inform the Registrar of Vehicles. I am quite sure action will be taken.

Mr David Marshall: Am I to understand that the Registrar of Vehicles has no one to check on the adequacy or otherwise of compliance with these regulations that my assistance is sought?

Dr Toh Chin Chye: Sir, although no doubt it is the function of the Registrar of Vehicles to see that the regulations are implemented, it has not come to his knowledge that buses are inadequately illuminated. This is the first complaint that I have received. This complaint comes from the Member for Anson, and if he can indicate which bus company is at fault, the Registrar of Vehicles will certainly look into the matter.