The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has announced that it will require all lorries with cranes to be fitted with an audio warning system to reduce the risk of collision with overhead road structures from 2017.
According to LTA, there have been 20 cases of overhead road structures being hit by over-height vehicles. Many of these incidents could have been prevented if the drivers had stowed the cranes before setting off since 2013.
Therefore, from 1 January 2017, all lorries with cranes mounted after 1 January 2017 will be required to install an audio warning system. While, all existing lorries with cranes have until 30 September 2017 to comply with this requirement.
The audio warning system features an audio buzzer in the driver’s cabin which is linked to a limit switch installed at the base of the crane. If a limit switch is installed, the buzzer would be activated when the limit switch detects that the crane is not fully stowed.
In cases whereby cranes are unable to be fully stowed due to operational reasons, an angle sensor can be installed on the crane’s inner boom instead of the limit switch. When the sensor detects that the crane is not fully stowed and is above its maximum stowed height, the audio buzzer would be activated to alert the driver to retract the crane adequately before moving off.
LTA also said that road humps will be implemented at six locations with high covered linkways by February 2017 to further enhance road safety. The road humps will help reduce the speed of the over-height vehicles approaching the high covered linkways and lessen the impact if any over-height vehicle were to hit the high covered linkway.
It reminded drivers of over-height vehicles to be cautious while driving and look out for overhead road structures. Drivers who are found guilty of damaging road structures/buildings can be fined a maximum of $5,000 and/or be jailed up to two years. Repeat offenders can be fined a maximum of $10,000 and/or be jailed up to 5 years.
It stated that if a collision is caused by a driver driving a vehicle more than 4.5 m in height without police escort, a first-time offender will be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $2,000 and be jailed up to three years and may also be disqualified from driving.
LTA said it will continue to engage vehicle owners and drivers through letters, brochures and stickers, on driving safely and reducing the risk of collision with overhead road structures.
More information can also be found on LTA’s One.Motoring website.
