Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether there are conditions mandated by LTA for vehicles transporting very large and bulky items on public roads to ensure the safety of other road users; (b) how many vehicles transporting large, long and bulky items have been fined for traffic offences or posing hazards to the public and road safety in the last three years; and (c) whether the Ministry can consider certain roads, especially those with heavy traffic, to be out of bounds for such vehicles.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: Vehicles transporting large and bulky items on public roads are subject to regulations under the Road Traffic Act and its subsidiary legislations.
First, all loads on vehicles and trailers are required to be properly secured, to prevent the contents from falling out and causing danger to road users. Failure to do so is an offence. Between 2021 and 2023, 80 motorists were caught for such offences.
Second, if the load carried by a vehicle goes beyond the rear of the vehicle by more than 300 millimetres, a clean red flag must be tied to the protruding end of the cargo as a visual warning for other road users.
Third, the movement of oversized vehicles exceeding certain dimensions also requires a permit from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to travel on public roads. These oversized vehicles are subject to conditions, such as travelling only during non-peak hours or after dark, having to display warning signs and, where applicable, ensuring there is Auxiliary Police escort.
Fourth, Excluded Vehicles, such as low trailers and mobile cranes, are not allowed on expressways unless a permit is obtained from LTA.
Between 2021 and 2023, about 3,300 vehicles were caught by LTA for offences relating to not displaying a red flag for protruding cargo, driving without an Oversized Vehicle Movement permit when required or breaching Oversized Vehicle Movement permit conditions, and Excluded Vehicles driving on expressways without a permit when required.
