LEFT TURN ON RED SCHEME (Progress)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Lew Syn Pau asked the Minister for Communications (a) how has the pilot project allowing traffic to turn left on red at some of the traffic lights been progressing; and (b) whether his Ministry will consider extending it to more or all traffic lights.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications (Dr Yaacob Ibrahim) (for the Minister for Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Left Turn On Red scheme has been successful in reducing the delay of left-turning traffic at the junctions where it is implemented. On average, more than half of these vehicles are able to clear the junction during the red light period. The scheme has been extended to a total of 58 locations island-wide.

The scheme requires motorists to come to a complete stop to look out for any pedestrian or vehicle before proceeding with the left turn. However, there have been instances where motorists failed to do so. I would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists to take due care and make the left turn on red only when it is safe to do so. LTA will monitor the practices of motorists in this regard before extending the scheme to other junctions.