Written Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran to Parliamentary Question on Proposal for Mandatory Foldable Benches and Seat Belts at Back of Lorries that Ferry Passengers

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     whether the Ministry will consider making it mandatory for lorries that are used to ferry persons in the rear decks to be fitted with foldable benches and seat belts similar to those used in the SAF three-tonners; and 

b.     what studies have been done into the cost and safety benefits of such a requirement.

Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran:

1.     The issue of custom fitting commercial lorries, be it to install seat belts and/or foldable benches, requires detailed study. Unlike the SAF trucks that are designed and built to specific military requirements, the lorries on our roads are standard commercial vehicles. The original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) must first ascertain that any customisations are safe and do not inadvertently create more safety risks. In the 2008 tripartite review on lorry transportation, the OEMs had shared with government agencies that fitting seat belts in the rear decks of lorries could result in safety risks, as their commercial lorries are not designed with suitable anchorage points to be fitted with seat belts.

2.     We recognise that vehicular construction and technologies have evolved since. Therefore, LTA has been engaging the industry on the feasibility and safety of customising new lorries with seat belts in the rear deck, and we will share more details once ready.