Close to 200 foreign motorcycles caught by NEA for excessive smoke and noise

SINGAPORE — Almost 200 motorcyclists were caught by officers from the National Environment Agency (NEA) at Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints in an operation that targeted smoky and noisy foreign motorbikes.

In a media release on Tuesday (March 27), NEA said it caught 197 errant motorcyclists “over two days of enforcement on March 26 and 27, 2018”.

The NEA said that under the Environmental Protection and Management (Vehicular Emissions) Regulations, it is an offence to use or permit the use of any smoky vehicle on the road. It is also an offence to use motor vehicles that emit noise above the level specified for its class.

“The enforcement operations are also a reminder to motorists to maintain their motorcycles,” the agency added.

34 foreign registered motorcycles were caught for “smoke emission” while 163 foreign registered motorcycles were caught for “excessive noise emission”.

Owners of smoky vehicles will be offered a tiered composition sum based on vehicle type and number of offences committed. If they fail to pay the sum, they will be liable to a maximum court fine of $5,000, said the NEA.

During the enforcement operations, smoky foreign motorcycles undergoing the smoke test were concurrently tested for noise emission. The statutory board added that if the motorcycles were to fail the noise test, the foreign motorist will be cautioned to rectify the vehicle.

“In addition, the particulars of the foreign motorist and motorcycle will be forwarded to the foreign authority for their follow-up action,” NEA said.

Last year, there were 442 enforcement actions against smoky foreign motorcycles. In addition, 163 foreign motorcycles were caught for excessive noise.

Members of the public who spot smoky or noisy motorcycles on the road are encouraged to report them to NEA with details such as the motorcycle registration number, location, date and time of the incident.

“Members of the community and stakeholders are urged to play their part in keeping our environment clean and ensure high standards of public health,” said the NEA.

It added: “NEA will continue to ensure greater compliance through enforcement (actions) against errant vehicle owners.”