Online users call for stricter action against workshops carrying out illegal modifications after 6,500 drivers were caught speeding in Sengkang

A total of 6,500 drivers were caught speeding on five roads in Sengkang between September 2019 and February this year, Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam said in a written reply to a Parliamentary question on Monday (5 Apr).

Mr Shanmugam said this in response to a question raised by Gan Thiam Poh, People’s Action Party’s (PAP) MP for Ang Mo Kio, who wanted to know the number of drivers caught speeding on those five roads in the past 18 months. He also asked if those roads can be considered as “speeding red zones”.

Mr Shanmugam said that the offenders were caught along Fernvale Street, Fernvale Link, Jalan Kayu, Fernvale Road and Sengkang West Way.

He noted that while the Traffic Police does not define these roads as “speeding red zone”, Sengkang West Way “accounted for the vast majority of the speeding violations”.

“For Sengkang West Way, the Traffic Police is also studying the feasibility of deploying a speed camera to increase deterrence,” the Minister stated.

Additionally, Mr Gan also asked for the Traffic Police and Land Transport Authority (LTA) to carry out operations to tackle speeding and other offences like modifying engines that cause excessive noise in these areas.

“Traffic Police and LTA have been conducting joint operations, including at these locations, to detect speeding, as well as illegal modification of vehicles,” Mr Shanmugam said.

He added, “Any person caught speeding can be fined up to S$1000, imprisoned up to three months, or both. Any person who illegally modifies a vehicle can be fined up to S$5000, imprisoned up to three months, or both; repeat offenders can have their penalties doubled.”

In a report by CNA, Mr Gan said that his residents’ feedback had prompted him to ask the question.

“Residents have been writing to me, sharing with my complaints about the speeding issues,” he noted.

Their issues include being awakened by loud noises coming from vehicles that were probably illegally modified to go faster, Mr Gan said.

He went on to note that he has been asking the authorities to take action since last year.

“Residents suggested a permanent camera – it’s a more sustainable solution,” said Mr Gan.

Over on social media, netizens said that authorities should take stricter action against workshops that perform illegal modifications of vehicles, as they are the reason why these drivers are able to speed in the first place.

Commenting on CNA‘s Facebook post on the issue, they asked why the LTA and Traffic Police are not looking into bringing such workshops before the law.

Others noted that slapping drivers with just a fine is insufficient, as these drivers are quite well off and are willing to spend money to modify their vehicles.

As such, they call for harsher deterrent measures to be implemented such as banning such cars on the roads, confiscating the cars or suspending the driver’s license.

Some even pointed out other areas where car racing is popular. Some of the areas listed include Kranji Expressway, Tuas South Avenue 3 & 5, Yishun and more.