LAND FOR PETROL STATIONS

Dr Teo Ho Pin asked the Minister for National Development (a) what are the considerations for allocating land for petrol stations; (b) what are the tender prices for land of petrol kiosks from 1991-2000; (c) whether it is safe to locate petrol kiosks near residential flats; and (d) whether his Ministry will consider co-locating petrol kiosks along expressways.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: (a) What are the considerations for allocating land for petrol stations?

The planning of the required number and siting of petrol stations is carried out at the local area level when the Development Guide Plan (DGP) for each Planning Area is prepared. The planning considerations include ensuring that there are sufficient petrol station sites to meet the demand from motorists within that Planning Area. The actual location of each new petrol station site has to be studied carefully with the relevant agencies like FSB and LTA. For instance, sites chosen for such use should not cause traffic problems in the area and hence, it should not be sited at major traffic junctions.

Currently, petrol station sites are confined mainly to areas which are zoned Transport Facility in the Master Plan. MND/URA will be working with MTI to study the feasibility of allowing more petrol pump facilities on suitable sites which meet fire safety and environmental requirements. (b) What are the tender prices for land of petrol kiosks from 1991 to 2000?

HDB has released for sale 19 land parcels for petrol kiosks development since 1991. The successful tender prices were between $6,524 psm and $19,045 psm, depending on the year of sale, the location, size and configuration of the site [see Appendix A (Cols 1401-1404)]. In 1999, two sites were offered for sale but the response was poor and the tender prices were well below the market value as assessed by the Chief Valuer. Hence no award was made. Appendix A - Petrol Station Sites Released for Sale by HDB as Agent for the Government (1991 to 1999) (Cols 1401 - 1404)

(c) Whether it is safe to co-locate petrol kiosks near residential flats?

Petrol stations are allowed to be developed near residential flats provided they satisfy the necessary technical and safety requirements of the Fire Safety Bureau.

(d) Whether MND will consider co-locating petrol kiosks along expressways?

Any co-location of petrol kiosks along expressways has to be done in consultation with LTA. Petrol kiosks can be located along expressways if the siting does not compromise the efficient operation of the expressways and the safety of the public. Hence, they are commonly found along rural expressways in other countries. The expressways in Singapore are actually urban expressways with close intervals of traffic interchanges, and they carry a very high volume of fast moving traffic. The siting of a petrol kiosk along our expressways is likely to create traffic weaving problems and hence, compromise the safe and efficient operation of our expressway system. Therefore, this is not encouraged. Moreover, there is already sufficient provision of kiosks along major arterial roads to meet the need of our motorists.