Oral Reply by Senior Minister of State for Transport Dr Lam Pin Min to Parliamentary Question on Obstruction of Road Signs by Vegetation

Mr Ang Hin Kee asked the Minister for Transport

a.     how does the Ministry check for traffic signs that are partially covered by vegetation such as tree branches and shrubs along roads and expressways; and

b.     what are the measures in place to ensure that these signs are visible to motorists and that pruning takes place regularly.

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

1.     The Land Transport Authority (LTA) stipulates that trees cannot be planted within 75 metres in front of advance directional signs on expressways, or 45 metres on all other roads. No-planting zones are also established around pedestrian crossings to ensure that motorists have a clear view of pedestrians. The size of these no-planting zones depends on site conditions, such as the geometry of the road and the speed limit.

2.     In addition, NParks conducts inspections at least once a month to make sure that greenery does not block the visibility of crossings and signs.