SERANGOON GARDEN WAY/CHENG SAN ROAD (Measures to reduce earth spillage and traffic hazards)

Dr Lau Teik Soon asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether measures can be taken to minimize the dirt pollution and traffic hazards caused by lorries, transporting earth and other construction materials, travelling through Serangoon Garden Way and Cheng San Road to Ang Mo Kio housing estate and vice versa.

The Senior Minister of State for Communications (Mr Ong Teng Cheong) (for the Minister for National Development and Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, since the second quarter of 1976, the Housing and Development Board has stopped earth transportation by lorries to Ang Mo Kio New Town through Serangoon Garden Way. However, lorries carrying construction materials continue to use Serangoon Garden Way and Cheng San Road. Mud and dirt could have been brought out onto these roads by these lorries and other vehicles after driving through earth tracks and construction sites in Ang Mo Kio.

The HDB has arranged for workers to sweep and clean the two roads regularly to reduce dust and dirt pollution. In addition, officers from the Ministry of the Environment and the Traffic Police will continue to take enforcement action against lorry drivers and contractors who load their lorries improperly and cause excessive spillage.

To reduce hazards to other road users, the Traffic Police will also step up its enforcement against lorry drivers who speed or drive recklessly along Serangoon Garden Way and Cheng San Road. At the same time, the Registry of Vehicles has directed lorry operators to supervise their drivers closely and to avoid spillage from lorries.

With these actions, dust pollution and traffic hazards caused by lorries will be minimised.