UNUSED/EXCESS MOTOR CYCLE CERTIFICATES OF ENTITLEMENT (Allotment to other categories of vehicles)

Mr Chia Shi Teck asked the Minister for Communications whether he has decided on how the unused/excess motor cycle Certificates of Entitlement are to be allotted to the other categories; and if he will allot a good proportion of these COEs to goods vehicles and buses.

The Minister for Communications (Mr Mah Bow Tan): Mr Speaker, Sir, a total of 5,157 unused motor cycle Certificates of Entitlement (COEs) has been frozen since 29th January 1994. The Government has announced that it will redistribute this to other vehicle categories. The formula for conversion and distribution of the unused motor cycle COEs has yet to be finalised. It will be announced together with the quota allocation for May 1994 to April 1995.

Mr Chia Shi Teck: Would the Minister consider a weekend category for commercial goods vehicles and buses for delivery purposes outside the normal trading hours? Would such a category be allowed for those who do their delivery outside the normal trading hours as they do not jam up the roads? It will be cheaper for these small businessmen to own the vehicles.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: Currently, as the Member knows, there is a category for private car owners under the weekend car scheme. We have not received any request for such a category for commercial vehicles. However, if there is such a request, we will consider it.