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40,772 motorists caught in bus lanes
Number of offenders down as drivers become familiar with regulations
By Royston Sim
MOTORISTS are learning to stay out of the bus lane, with the number of offenders caught dropping by 22.8 per cent last year.
A spokesman for the Land Transport Authority (LTA) attributed the dip to more drivers becoming familiar with bus-lane regulations, with reminders sent out regularly through the LTA Traffic News radio programme and brochures made to educate motorists.
Last year, the LTA nabbed 40,772 motorists, a drop of about 22.8 per cent from 2009, when 52,796 were caught.
This development comes even as the vehicle population has grown, while the length of roads with bus lanes has remained at 178km since 2008.
Launched in 1974 and currently totalling 155km, normal bus lanes operate from 7.30am to 9.30am and from 5pm to 8pm on weekdays. The LTA introduced full-day bus lanes in 2005, and these operate from 7.30am to 8pm from Mondays to Saturdays.
'We urge all motorists to continue to comply so that we will be able to continue to improve bus speeds and enhance the commuting experience for bus commuters,' its spokesman said.
Earlier last month, Transport Minister Raymond Lim said speeds in bus lanes have increased by an average of 7 per cent.
Motorist Terence Thaver, 46, is among those who avoid bus lanes. Said the business consultant: 'The buses don't go into our lane, so why should we go into theirs?'
Improved technology and ramped-up enforcement have also served as deterrents. The LTA deploys traffic wardens with cameras, who are stationed at overhead bridges or by the roadside.
Some 90 buses, which serve 12 routes, also have cameras. Introduced in June 2008, they are installed next to the driver's seat. Drivers who spot bus-lane violations can press a button to take a picture.
The images are sent to the LTA, which issues summonses to motorists within two weeks. Offenders can be fined $130.
SBS Transit bus driver Gu Teng Hang, 61, whose service 54 route runs from Bishan to New Bridge Road, said: 'With the bus lanes, we can exit the bus bay more easily and reach our destination faster.'
Last year also saw a 69.5 per cent decrease in the number of motorists caught for failing to give way to buses under a scheme that compels them to do so.
There were 1,013 such offenders.
The number of bus bays involved in the Give Way To Buses Scheme expanded to 202 by the end of last year, from 44 in March last year.
Motorists who fail to give way to exiting buses face a fine of $130 for each offence.
According to the LTA, this scheme has reduced the time buses take to get out of bus bays by up to 73 per cent.
The spokesman said the authority will continue to review the effectiveness of these measures, and implement them at suitable locations when needed.
[email protected]
Number of offenders down as drivers become familiar with regulations
By Royston Sim
MOTORISTS are learning to stay out of the bus lane, with the number of offenders caught dropping by 22.8 per cent last year.
A spokesman for the Land Transport Authority (LTA) attributed the dip to more drivers becoming familiar with bus-lane regulations, with reminders sent out regularly through the LTA Traffic News radio programme and brochures made to educate motorists.
Last year, the LTA nabbed 40,772 motorists, a drop of about 22.8 per cent from 2009, when 52,796 were caught.
This development comes even as the vehicle population has grown, while the length of roads with bus lanes has remained at 178km since 2008.
Launched in 1974 and currently totalling 155km, normal bus lanes operate from 7.30am to 9.30am and from 5pm to 8pm on weekdays. The LTA introduced full-day bus lanes in 2005, and these operate from 7.30am to 8pm from Mondays to Saturdays.
'We urge all motorists to continue to comply so that we will be able to continue to improve bus speeds and enhance the commuting experience for bus commuters,' its spokesman said.
Earlier last month, Transport Minister Raymond Lim said speeds in bus lanes have increased by an average of 7 per cent.
Motorist Terence Thaver, 46, is among those who avoid bus lanes. Said the business consultant: 'The buses don't go into our lane, so why should we go into theirs?'
Improved technology and ramped-up enforcement have also served as deterrents. The LTA deploys traffic wardens with cameras, who are stationed at overhead bridges or by the roadside.
Some 90 buses, which serve 12 routes, also have cameras. Introduced in June 2008, they are installed next to the driver's seat. Drivers who spot bus-lane violations can press a button to take a picture.
The images are sent to the LTA, which issues summonses to motorists within two weeks. Offenders can be fined $130.
SBS Transit bus driver Gu Teng Hang, 61, whose service 54 route runs from Bishan to New Bridge Road, said: 'With the bus lanes, we can exit the bus bay more easily and reach our destination faster.'
Last year also saw a 69.5 per cent decrease in the number of motorists caught for failing to give way to buses under a scheme that compels them to do so.
There were 1,013 such offenders.
The number of bus bays involved in the Give Way To Buses Scheme expanded to 202 by the end of last year, from 44 in March last year.
Motorists who fail to give way to exiting buses face a fine of $130 for each offence.
According to the LTA, this scheme has reduced the time buses take to get out of bus bays by up to 73 per cent.
The spokesman said the authority will continue to review the effectiveness of these measures, and implement them at suitable locations when needed.
[email protected]
