Mandatory Speed Limiters Installed on Only 50 Lorries in Singapore: Critical Safety Risks Unveiled

SINGAPORE – The urgency to enhance road safety in Singapore is pressing, as data reveals that only about 50 out of the 17,000 eligible lorries have been fitted with mandatory speed limiters since January 2024. This alarming statistic was highlighted by Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam in Parliament on January 7, 2024. These limiters are required for lorries with a maximum laden weight (MLW) between 3,501kg and 12,000kg to prevent them from exceeding a speed limit of 60km/h.

This low installation rate, which represents less than 1 percent of eligible vehicles, prompted a suggestion from Mr. Lim Kian Chin, chairman of the Singapore Transport Association (STA), to prioritize lorries that transport workers. Such a move could be crucial, especially considering the potential dangers faced by laborers being transported in the back of lorries.

The urgency of this issue is underscored by a tragic accident on December 15, 2024, which claimed the life of a 40-year-old worker when the lorry he was travelling in crashed in Tuas. Two others were injured, and a 41-year-old driver is currently under investigation for negligent manslaughter. Incidents like this have led MPs like Louis Ng from Nee Soon GRC to express deep concerns about the ongoing risks to workers' lives.

While the full imposition of these regulations will not take effect until 2026, Mr. Ng emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, “the lives and limbs of hundreds and thousands of workers are at risk.” He argues that any precautionary measures, including the installation of speed limiters, should be adopted as quickly as possible.

Minister Shanmugam has urged lorry owners to comply early with speed limiter installations to avoid last-minute rushes that could clog workshops. He indicated that lorries that fail to meet compliance deadlines will not pass their periodic inspections and will face penalties.

Reducing the barriers to installation is vital, given the current low take-up rates. Mr. Hooi Yu Koh, CEO of Kori Holdings, attributed the slow installation pace to the distant deadline, which has resulted in many lorry owners opting to delay the process. This delay is compounded by a limited number of suppliers and installers available in 2024.

Costs for installation can range from $350 to $1,400, which may discourage some lorry owners from taking action promptly. Mr. Kenneth Yap from Goldbell Engineering noted that many owners are hesitant to incur the expense upfront. Nevertheless, he expects demand for installations to surge as the 2026 deadline approaches.

In a bid to increase compliance, Traffic Police have begun collaborating with authorized motor distributors and inspection centers to facilitate and encourage early installations.

The push for speed limiters follows a legislative change announced in November 2023 mandating speed limiters for lighter lorries, which were already required for heavier goods vehicles. For older lorries, the deadlines differ: those registered before 2018 must install limiters by 2026, while newer vehicles registered from 2018 must comply by 2027.

As road safety remains an ongoing challenge, this development raises significant questions about the effectiveness of legislative measures in protecting workers and the broader public. As the 2026 deadline looms, will we see a greater commitment from lorry owners to ensure the safety of their passengers? Only time will tell, but current statistics are cause for serious concern.