The topic of Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) charges on weekends sparked a lively exchange in Parliament on Tuesday, with several MPs arguing for its abolishment.
Minister of State for Transport, Josephine Teo, said in reply to MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC Liang Eng Hwa that the introduction of ERP on Saturdays in the Orchard and Bugis-Marina areas has helped improve traffic speeds.
Mrs Teo said average traffic speeds, which was below 20 kilometres per hour, had gone up to about 30 kilometres per hour after the gantries were switched on.
But authorities will review the charges where needed.
Mr Liang Eng Hwa, MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, asked: "Can LTA go a little easier on Saturdays and perhaps even do a trial and see if we were to switch off ERP on Saturdays, what would be the difference in the behaviour of road users?"
Mr Lim Biow Chuan, MP for Mountbatten who shared similar sentiments, asked: "If the approach of LTA is to allow some degree of traffic congestion during non-critical hours, surely we can consider allowing some degree of traffic congestion on non-working days like Saturday?"
Mr Seah Kian Peng, MP for Marina Parade GRC, suggested: "Perhaps conduct a survey of retailers in that belt and ask them, would freeing ERP on weekends be a move that they support? If they do, then it's (a) win-win for every sector."
Mrs Teo replied: "We're always open for suggestions. And the retailers, whether they're in the Orchard area or the Bugis-Marina areas, are very welcome to provide their feedback and suggestions, and we'll consider them carefully."
Minister of State for Transport, Josephine Teo, said in reply to MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC Liang Eng Hwa that the introduction of ERP on Saturdays in the Orchard and Bugis-Marina areas has helped improve traffic speeds.
Mrs Teo said average traffic speeds, which was below 20 kilometres per hour, had gone up to about 30 kilometres per hour after the gantries were switched on.
But authorities will review the charges where needed.
Mr Liang Eng Hwa, MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, asked: "Can LTA go a little easier on Saturdays and perhaps even do a trial and see if we were to switch off ERP on Saturdays, what would be the difference in the behaviour of road users?"
Mr Lim Biow Chuan, MP for Mountbatten who shared similar sentiments, asked: "If the approach of LTA is to allow some degree of traffic congestion during non-critical hours, surely we can consider allowing some degree of traffic congestion on non-working days like Saturday?"
Mr Seah Kian Peng, MP for Marina Parade GRC, suggested: "Perhaps conduct a survey of retailers in that belt and ask them, would freeing ERP on weekends be a move that they support? If they do, then it's (a) win-win for every sector."
Mrs Teo replied: "We're always open for suggestions. And the retailers, whether they're in the Orchard area or the Bugis-Marina areas, are very welcome to provide their feedback and suggestions, and we'll consider them carefully."
