TRANSPORTATION OF WORKERS IN OPEN PICK-UP TRUCKS (Measures to modify practice)

The following Question stood in the name of Dr Kanwaljit Soin

Dr Kanwaljit Soin: To ask the Minister for Communications if he will consider instituting measures to modify the dangerous practice of transporting workers in open pick-up trucks.

Dr Lee Tsao Yuan: Question No. 5, Sir.

The Minister for Communications (Mr Mah Bow Tan): Mr Speaker, Sir, owners of goods vehicles are allowed to transport their workers on their trucks, as this helps them to utilise their goods vehicles more productively. When they do so, they have to observe several safety rules. For example, there is a maximum number of workers that they can carry on the trucks depending on the size of the trucks; the passengers must be seated while the vehicle is in motion; and protective railings must be fitted along both sides of the vehicles. There is also a 50 kph speed limit imposed on all goods vehicles.

There is no necessity at this moment to change the rules. The Land Transport Authority has reminded owners of goods vehicles of these rules, and is working with the Traffic Police to step up enforcement to ensure that the rules are observed.