TRAFFIC LIGHT BREAKDOWNS

[Mr Deputy Speaker in the Chair]

Dr Koh Lam Son asked the Minister for National Development what are the reasons for breakdowns of traffic lights and what measures are being taken to improve the situation.

The Minister of State for National Development (Dr Lee Boon Yang) (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am answering on behalf of my Minister.

Sir, about 20% of traffic light breakdowns are caused by external factors such as power failure, traffic accidents and cable damage. The other 80% are caused by malfunction of the traffic light equipment. Such equipment are subject to heat, rain, dust and vibration and are in continuous operation round the clock.

Out of a total of 960 traffic lights, the average breakdown is only three traffic lights per day. This works out to 99.7% reliability. Although we will try to improve on this level of reliability, we must recognize that we are close to a limit that is technically feasible and cost-effective.

The other approach is to ensure a quicker response to breakdowns of traffic lights. Besides its in-house resources, the Public Works Department also maintains a hotline for the public to call should they come across any traffic light not working properly. This has enabled the PWD to attend to all such cases promptly.

The PWD intends to bring all traffic lights under central computer control, so that any malfunction of traffic lights can be detected much earlier and rectified within a shorter time.