Review of Pedestrian Crossing Infrastructure Including Signal Timings, Crossing Distances and Physical Design Given Increase in Elderly Pedestrian Fatalities

Written Reply to Parliamentary Question 

Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Acting Minister for Transport in light of the 145 per cent increase in elderly pedestrian fatalities in 2025, with elderly pedestrians accounting for 75 per cent of all pedestrian fatalities and 83 per cent of fatal jaywalking cases

a.    whether LTA has conducted a targeted review of pedestrian crossing infrastructure including signal timings, crossing distances, and physical design; and

b.    what infrastructure modifications are planned

Reply by Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow:

1.     The percentage increase in elderly pedestrian fatalities between 2024 to 2025 should be viewed in context, where the number of fatalities rose from a low base of 11 cases in 2024 to 27 cases in 2025, compared to an average of 18 fatalities annually from 2021 to 2023.

2.      Nevertheless, we want to improve the safety of vulnerable groups. That is why the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has implemented Silver Zones and Friendly Streets, with longer pedestrian crossing times, lower speed limits, and features such as humps and road narrowing to slow down traffic. Beyond Silver Zones and Friendly Streets, LTA is expanding the Green Man+ feature, which provides elderly pedestrians with additional crossing time, to more traffic lights. Overhead bridges are also being progressively retrofitted with lifts.

3.      Drivers also play a critical role in keeping pedestrians safe. Strict penalties are in place to deter dangerous or careless driving, which attracts fines, licence disqualification and imprisonment. In Silver Zones and Friendly Streets, offenders incur two additional demerit points and a $100 increase in composition fines for offences such as speeding, red-light running and failure to give way to pedestrians.