By MP for Hougang SMC, Png Eng Huat
[Delivered in Committee of Supply on 11 March 2015]
Madam,
We have probably witnessed such incidents at signalized junctions where drivers turning right are caught in cross traffic because they have to make a sudden stop to allow pedestrians to cross. These drivers are putting themselves in harm’s way at the same time because they are stuck in the middle of the traffic junction with vehicles having the right of way bearing down on them.
Such scenes are repeated everyday on our roads but they can be prevented if our signalized traffic junctions are programmed with separate phases of timing for vehicles and pedestrians to pass safely.
I noticed some traffic junctions have been re-programmed to allow vehicles to turn only after the cross traffic and pedestrians have come to a complete stop. This change will certainly reduce the number of accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles at the signalised junctions.
I would like to ask LTA if there are plans to roll out more of such changes in the future and would it be feasible to standardize all the signalized traffic junctions in this manner.
We may end up spending a little more time on the road by re-programming our traffic junctions but I always believe that cultivating a little patience in the interest of safety is a necessary trade off.