ELECTRONIC ROAD PRICING (Review of charges)

Mr Goh Choon Kang asked the Minister for Communications and Information Technology if the current Electronic Road Pricing charges at different hours of the day will be further reviewed and refined to optimise usage of all roads.

Assoc. Prof. Yaacob Ibrahim (for the Minister for Communications and Information Technology): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) reviews the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) rates every quarter to ensure that there is optimal traffic flow and efficient use of the road network. Traffic speeds on various stretches of busy roads are monitored at regular intervals throughout the day, and adjustments are then made to the ERP rates to maintain travel speeds within the ranges of 45 to 65 kph for expressways and 20 to 30 kph for arterial roads.

Before making any changes to ERP rates, LTA takes into consideration the impact of any changes on a network-wide basis. ERP rate changes, if any, are implemented in January, April, July and October each year.

ERP was introduced in April 1998. After nearly two years of operation, it is indeed timely for LTA to review and refine the system of rates review. LTA will be studying how to factor in traffic volume projections when determining rate changes for those periods of the year which experience seasonal changes in traffic volumes, such as the school holidays. This will increase the effectiveness of our ERP mechanism.