SINGAPORE – The Traffic Police's pound is currently home to over 1,000 vehicles

SINGAPORE – The Traffic Police's pound on Airport Road is currently home to over 1,000 vehicles, including an astonishing two that have been there since 2015! This alarming statistic came to light after the police responded to inquiries from The Straits Times on November 11, coinciding with the introduction of the transformative Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in Parliament.

New Legislation

This new legislation, if passed, aims to encourage vehicle owners to collect their seized vehicles promptly. Under current laws, the police are empowered to seize vehicles they suspect are involved in violations of the Penal Code or the Road Traffic Act. The vehicles are held until investigations and any court proceedings are concluded, followed by an indeterminate wait for owners to claim them.

Current Regulations

The existing regulations state that if a vehicle is not claimed within one month, the Traffic Police can dispose of it, provided the owner has been notified. However, the MHA clarified that even if owners are delaying picking up their vehicles, they cannot dispose of these vehicles until the prescribed legal processes are completed.

Delays in Collecting Vehicles

Delays in collecting vehicles often occur for various reasons, such as owners being hospitalized, on medical leave, or traveling abroad. Interestingly, it’s also common for foreign motorists to claim they are recuperating overseas. There is, however, some good news: owners can authorize a third party to collect the vehicle on their behalf.

Cost of Managing Impounded Vehicles

Managing this extensive fleet of impounded vehicles proves costly for the Traffic Police, as they must ensure security, conduct safety checks, and maintain the pound. The upcoming amendments stipulate that if the bill is passed, owners must reclaim their vehicles within a specified timeframe upon claiming them. Failure to do so could result in storage fees levied on delayed collections, which must be settled before the vehicle is returned.

Consequences of Delayed Retrieval

If owners still delay retrieval, the police can dispose of the vehicle one month after the collection period lapses or even auction it off! Notably, the new regulations will retroactively apply to vehicles that are already impounded.

Fees and Penalties

Furthermore, the Traffic Police currently can impose fees on owners under specific circumstances, particularly if they have previous convictions or offenses related to the vehicle in question. They also hold the power to recover fees for storage or removal of vehicles that are parked illegally or abandoned on public roads.

Conclusion

Owners, beware! It’s not just about reclaiming your vehicle; it could cost you if you fail to act quickly. Check your records; your vehicle might just be sitting in the Traffic Police pound!