Singapore Cracks Down: Heavy Lorries Still Lagging on Speed Limiter Mandate

You know, road safety is something we all take pretty seriously, especially when it comes to the big boys on the road – those hefty lorries. So, it's a bit concerning to hear that despite a firm deadline set way back for January 1st of this year, a significant chunk of Singapore's heaviest goods vehicles are still dragging their feet when it comes to mandatory speed limiters.

We're talking about lorries weighing in at over 12,000kg, mind you. The mandate was clear: get those speed-limiting devices installed. Yet, as recent checks reveal, a whopping 30 percent – that's roughly 4,000 vehicles – haven't quite gotten around to it. It really makes you wonder, doesn't it? What's holding them back?

Well, the grace period is officially over, folks. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) began its full-blown enforcement campaign on June 1st, and they're not messing around. For drivers or owners caught with an unequipped vehicle, the consequences are pretty stark. A first offence could land you with a fine of up to S$1,000, or even three months behind bars, and let's not forget those three demerit points. Repeat offenders? They're looking at double that – up to S$2,000 or six months in jail. That's a serious deterrent, and rightly so.

The whole point of this initiative, naturally, boils down to one critical thing: keeping our roads safer. Heavy vehicles, when involved in accidents, often lead to far more severe outcomes, even fatalities. By ensuring these behemoths can't exceed designated speeds, the aim is to drastically reduce the likelihood and severity of such incidents. It’s a proactive step, really, designed to protect everyone on the road.

For the newer lorries, those registered from November 2021 onwards, these limiters came pre-installed. It was the older fleet that had the task of retrofitting their vehicles. They had ample time, extending over a couple of years, to comply. So, for the 4,000 or so vehicles still without, the time to act is absolutely now. It's not just about avoiding penalties; it's about playing a part in making Singapore's roads a safer place for all of us.