TRAFFIC OFFENCES BY MILITARY VEHICLE DRIVERS (Particulars)

Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister for Defence (a) what is the total number of traffic offences committed by drivers of Singapore military vehicles during the period 1st January to 3lst December, 1968; (b) whether disciplinary action is taken against the drivers in each case; and (c) whether it has been impressed upon military personnel that they should at all times endeavour to maintain a high standard of road courtesy.

Mr Lim Kim San: Mr Speaker, Sir, the total number of traffic offences of every description involving drivers of Singapore military vehicles and members of the public during the period 1st January to 31st December, 1968, is 444. All accidents involving Singapore Armed Forces' drivers and members of the public are investigated by the civil traffic police, and action is taken appropriate to the offence committed in exactly the same way as for offences committed by civilians.

Of the total number of Singapore Armed Forces' drivers involved in accidents, 49 had their cases com pounded and were subjected to disciplinary action. In 52 cases, the accidents are being investigated or action is pending. In two instances, action was brought against members of the public. Three hundred and forty-one of the reported cases were investigated and no further action was taken. These cases were of a very minor nature. There were two fatal accidents and in 13 others, injuries were sustained.

Mr Speaker, Sir, all drivers of military vehicles found guilty of negligence or reckless driving have to face the consequences of any action brought against them by the traffic police and, in addition, under military regulations, they have to pay a fine where damage is caused to the vehicle under their charge. Where they are found guilty of inconsiderate or disrespectful conduct towards members of the public, disciplinary action is taken against them.

All Singapore Armed Forces' drivers are, of course, instructed in the Highway Code and the S.A.F. Code of Conduct, and it is impressed upon them that they must be courteous and considerate to members of the public at all times. Depending on the type of vehicle they are assigned to drive, all Singapore Armed Forces' drivers are given special training in the handling of that particular vehicle.

Mr Hwang Soo Jin (Jalan Kayu): Mr Speaker, Sir, will the Minister consider limiting the speed of some of the heavy trucks to, say, 20 miles per hour?

Mr Lim Kim San: Sir, there is a limitation to the speed of these trucks. I do not, at this moment, recall whether it is 20 miles an hour or 30 miles an hour, but there is definitely a limitation in keeping with the limitation of speed of other trucks of similar size.