Traffic Police to test speed-tracking devices on heavy vehicles

SINGAPORE — The Traffic Police is testing the effectiveness of speed-tracking devices installed in heavy vehicles from now until August, with a view to using these devices at a later date if needed.

The aim is to enable companies to monitor the speed records of drivers and take timely remedial action against those who speed.

Mr Amrin Amin, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Home Affairs and Health, said on Tuesday (May 22) during the launch of the Singapore Road Safety Month that drivers of commercial heavy vehicle spend much time on the road, and are much more likely to be involved in accidents.

“Although the number of accidents involving heavy vehicles decreased by 13 per cent from 2016 to 2017, such accidents are more likely to result in fatalities,” he said. For example, three in 10 fatal accidents last year involved a heavy vehicle.

In total, 30 heavy vehicles will be installed with these speed-tracking devices during the trial.

Three types of devices — namely a digital tachograph, an enhanced speed limiter and a fleet management system — will be used. They are equipped with an audio buzzer which will be activated when the driver exceeds the vehicle’s speed limit.

The digital tachograph is able to automatically track and record the vehicle’s speeds and print out driving records for the past 24 hours, which may be used by the Traffic Police in their enforcement efforts.

The other two devices are able to calculate the speed of the vehicle and use GPS (global positioning system) to prevent tampering of the speed limiter. They can also track the speed of the vehicle throughout the journey.

As part of the trial, the Traffic Police will test the accuracy of the devices, its compatibility with the heavy vehicles driven here, and its resistance to being tampered. No summons will be issued for the duration of the trial.

Earlier this month, the Traffic Police announced that they will be introducing two cameras with 3D laser technology from June to August, to detect traffic violations.

The cameras, at the cross junction of Thomson Road and Newton Road, will use a 3D laser scanner to track movements of vehicles to detect three main kinds of offences: Unauthorised U-turns, turning in a non-turning lane, and stopping in yellow boxes.

They can also record the time of violations, vehicle number plates and the lanes in which the offences were committed.

However, capitalising on technology alone is “not sufficient” to shape driving behaviour and improve road safety, Mr Amrin said, adding that there needs to be a change in mindsets.

That is why this year’s Road Safety Month, which is into its sixth edition, will place an emphasis on educating and engaging drivers of heavy vehicles and motorcyclists.

Mr Amrin also encouraged business and companies to take a more pro-active role to adopt good road-safety practices and instil good driving habits in their drivers. “For instance, they can sign their drivers up for advanced vocational driving courses,” he said.

To remind motorists on the importance of observing safe driving practices and staying vigilant on the road, two new animated educational videos on road safety will be released on the website of the Singapore Police Force, under the Traffic Police Online Learning Portal.