An offender could also additionally be disqualified from driving for a minimum of 10 years, starting only from the time that he or she is released from prison, he added.
“Thus a first offender in a serious case could be jailed for a maximum of eight years and not drive for 18 years,” explained Assoc Prof Faishal.
He said that since last month, the Traffic Police (TP) has progressively activated the speed enforcement function in red-light cameras across the island, especially at more accident-prone or violation-prone locations.
More than 800 speeding violations have been detected by these cameras in the three weeks since they were activated.
“Whilst enforcement cameras are useful for deterrence, it is not feasible to install them at all traffic junctions and zebra crossings, given terrain limitations and other constraints,” he said.
In the last six weeks, the TP has also intensified ad-hoc enforcement, detecting close to 1,400 violations and arresting 29 motorists for traffic-related and other offences.
In response to a question by MP Tin Pei Ling (PAP-MacPherson) on simplifying the reporting of traffic violations by the public, Assoc Prof Faishal said violations can be reported online via the Police’s E-Services or Police@SG app, with supporting evidence such as video footage.
He also reassured the House that TP has been taking enforcement action based on such evidence.
IMPROVING ROAD SAFETY
Singapore’s roads have become safer, said Assoc Prof Faishal.
The number of accidents resulting in injuries or fatalities has fallen by about 10 per cent in the last five years, from 7,822 in 2019 to 7,075 in 2023, he shared.
However, the number of accidents resulting in fatalities has increased by about 12 per cent, from 117 in 2019 to 131 in 2023, he noted.
“There were 71 fatal accidents in the first half of 2023, and 60 in the second half of the year,” said Assoc Prof Faishal.
