Singapore's ERP 2.0 May Detect Speeding, Minister Says

Key facts

• Singapore plans full transition to ERP 2.0 by early 2027.
• 93% of vehicles had installed the new OBU by January 31.
• Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow confirmed potential for speeding enforcement.
• Further enhancements are required for traffic offence detection.
• Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Home Affairs are studying implementation.
• OBU installation reminders were issued February 15.
• Non-compliant owners face installation fees of $35 (motorcycles) or $70 (other vehicles).

New Road Pricing System Opens Door to Traffic Enforcement

Singapore's forthcoming Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) 2.0 system, designed primarily for managing road charges, may also be leveraged to detect traffic violations such as speeding. This potential dual function was disclosed by Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow, signaling a significant expansion of the system's utility beyond its initial payment-focused mandate. The revelation emerged during a parliamentary session where Holland-Bukit Timah GRC MP Edward Chia inquired about the satellite-based system's capabilities. He specifically asked if ERP 2.0 could be employed to monitor and enforce speed limits in Silver Zones and School Zones, areas designated for enhanced pedestrian safety. While the core design of ERP 2.0 centres on real-time traffic updates and situational alerts for road safety, Mr. Siow confirmed its capacity for enforcement. However, he stressed that such capabilities would necessitate further development and enhancements to the system.

Phased Rollout and Compliance Drive

The nation is on track for a complete transition to the ERP 2.0 system, with the target date set for the beginning of 2027. This timeline allows for a comprehensive integration of the new technology across the vehicle fleet. To facilitate this transition, a concerted effort has been made to encourage vehicle owners to install the new on-board unit (OBU). As of January 31, approximately 93 per cent of vehicles in Singapore had already been equipped with the new OBUs, indicating a high level of compliance. A final reminder for all owners of Singapore-registered vehicles to install the OBU was issued on February 15. Those who fail to comply within three months of this reminder will incur installation fees: $35 for motorcycles and $70 for all other vehicle types.

Inter-Ministerial Study Underway

The prospect of using ERP 2.0 for traffic offence enforcement, particularly for speeding, is currently under active consideration. Mr. Siow indicated that the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Ministry of Home Affairs are jointly examining the intricate details required for such an implementation. This collaborative study aims to determine the feasibility and the necessary technical and regulatory frameworks for expanding the OBU's enforcement functions. The focus remains on ensuring that any such use aligns with broader road safety objectives and privacy considerations. Previous statements from the MOT in 2023 had clarified that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) would primarily use vehicle-specific data for payment, charges, and enforcement related to non-payment of ERP fees. The current discussions suggest a potential broadening of this data usage for other traffic violations.

System Design and Road Safety Focus

The ERP 2.0 system, which relies on satellite-based technology, is fundamentally designed to streamline the payment of road charges. Its on-board units provide drivers with crucial real-time traffic information and alerts, aiming to enhance overall road safety and traffic management. These alerts can include warnings about congestion, accidents, or other potential hazards, empowering drivers to make more informed decisions on the road. The system's architecture allows for the transmission of data that can be used for various traffic-related purposes. While the primary objective remains efficient road pricing, the inherent capabilities of the OBU and its communication network present opportunities for additional applications, such as monitoring and enforcing traffic rules, provided the necessary upgrades are implemented.

The bottom line

• Singapore's ERP 2.0 system, slated for full implementation by early 2027, may be expanded to enforce traffic violations like speeding.
• Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow confirmed the potential for speeding enforcement, contingent on further system enhancements.
• The Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Home Affairs are jointly studying the implementation details for expanded enforcement capabilities.
• Over 93% of Singapore's vehicles had installed the new on-board unit (OBU) by January 31, with a final reminder issued on February 15.
• Vehicle owners failing to install the OBU after the reminder will face installation fees of $35 for motorcycles and $70 for other vehicles.
• The system's primary design is for road charge payments, but its technology allows for real-time traffic updates and potential enforcement applications.