LTA withdraws warning letter to taxi driver for not searching vehicle for items left behind by passenger 

SINGAPORE — The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has withdrawn a warning letter that it had earlier issued to a driver for failing to search his vehicle for property accidentally left behind by a passenger.

It has also agreed to review a rule mandating taxi drivers to search their vehicles for such items.

Ms Yeo Wan Ling, who is an advisor to the National Taxi Association (NTA) and National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA), revealed LTA's decision in a Facebook post on Friday (Nov 11) morning.

The Member of Parliament for Pasir Ris-Punggol Group Representation Constituency also thanked the agency for withdrawing the warning letter, which had been issued to the taxi driver late last month. 

In response to TODAY's query, LTA said on Friday night that under the law, point-to-point transport providers should as far as practicable, check for belongings left behind by passengers at the end of the trip.

LTA also confirmed that it had withdrawn the written warning issued to the driver.

Facebook user Ong Boon had posted a photograph of the warning letter on Oct 26. The post stated that the driver had made an appeal against the warning to LTA through Member of Parliament for Macpherson Tin Pei Ling on Oct 11.

Ms Yeo said the NTA and NPHVA had expressed concern regarding the incident and had reached out to LTA for an explanation and clarifications.

She added that the two associations, as well as the National Trades Union Congress, believe that the safety of drivers must be a top priority and their work conditions often do not allow drivers to search for items accidentally left behind by passengers safely and effectively.

"While it is a good practice to have, it should not be an obligation that attracts penalties," she wrote.

Ms Yeo noted that LTA had clarified that this is a long-standing rule, and serves as a good practice on the part of the driver.

“The LTA has decided to withdraw the warning letter and shared that the intent was to remind the driver on such good practices and the LTA has never prosecuted any driver for such breaches," Ms Yeo added.

"Going forward, the LTA agreed to review the continued relevance of this rule together with stakeholders."

Responding to TODAY's queries, LTA said that the rule requiring drivers to conduct the checks comes under the Road Traffic Act.

"This is a good practice that serves the interest of the drivers, as it minimises disputes when passengers leave belongings in their vehicles," it said, adding that passengers are also reminded to be responsible for their belongings. 

"Written warnings may be issued to drivers if necessary," said LTA. 

Since 2010, it has issued five written warnings to drivers.

"These letters do not carry any penalty," it added.