Oral Reply by Senior Minister of State for Transport Dr Lam Pin Min to Parliamentary Question on Mediation for PMD Users and Their Accident Victims

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Transport

a.     how many users of personal mobility devices (PMDs) and their accident victims have gone for mediation in the past 24 months;

b.     what compensation has been paid out in the mediation;

c.     what is the cost of mediation that each party must bear;

d.     how long is the whole process of mediation; and

e.     what is the process should one party refuses to attend.

Reply by Senior Minister of State for Transport Dr Lam Pin Min:

1.     Personal mobility device (PMD) users and their accident victims can undertake mediation at the Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) or the Law Society of Singapore.

2.     Mediation is voluntary and can only proceed with both parties in attendance. The SMC facilitates this by contacting the relevant parties and explaining the benefits of mediation. To date, the SMC and Law Society have not received any mediation cases involving PMD users and their accident victims. The Law Society’s charges start from $350 per party. SMC’s charges start from $107 per party, and varies according to the type of mediation and the dispute amount. SMC also provides subsidised rates to applicants with financial difficulties on a case-by-case basis.

3.     The duration of mediation depends on the complexity of the issues and the parties’ willingness to resolve the dispute. The negotiation process is confidential, and parties generally do not disclose the compensation amount. If mediation fails, either because one party refuses to attend or the parties are unable to come to a resolution, the claimant can choose to file a civil suit in the State Courts.

4.     The Active Mobility Advisory Panel and LTA strongly encourage all active mobility device users to purchase third-party liability insurance, to protect themselves against third-party claims in the event of an accident.