SPEED LIMIT SIGNS NEAR SCHOOLS

Mdm Cynthia Phua asked the Minister for Transport in view of the recent accident at Tanjong Katong Road, if he will consider displaying speed limit signs, for example, 40 km/h, on roads near schools instead of the current practice of displaying the 'school zone' signs so as to remind vehicles to slow down.

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: I agree with Mdm Phua that there should be traffic signs to remind motorists to slow down when driving within a school zone.

Indeed, as a rule, LTA will put up prominent "School Zone" and/or "Slow Down" traffic signs on all roads in the vicinity of schools. These signs warn motorists that they are entering a school zone and should slow down and be alert, especially during the school peak hours.

The unfortunate accident referred to by Mdm Phua took place at around 1 pm, along Tanjong Katong Road, just outside the former Ngee Ann Primary School, next to Geylang Methodist Primary School. Along that stretch of the road, there are several "School Zone" and "Slow Down" signs.

Tanjong Katong Road has a speed limit of 50 km/h. But where it enters the school zone, motorists are expected to slow down to below 50 km/h and be ready to make sudden stops, if necessary. That is the purpose of the school zone sign. School zone signs are preferred because they carry a fuller meaning than what a 40 or 50 km/h speed limit sign can convey.

The unfortunate accident at Tanjong Katong Road and a recent one at Ang Mo Kio Ave 6/Ave 9 junction are sober reminders to all motorists to be mindful at all times, especially when they approach a school zone or a traffic junction. Road accidents can be prevented, but that requires all motorists and road-users to play their part.