Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Safety Precautions Adopted by Other Countries that Permit Passengers to be Ferried in Rear Deck of Lorries

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     whether the Ministry has studied what are the safety precautions and restrictions practised by other countries and jurisdictions that allow for passengers to be ferried in the rear deck of goods vehicles travelling on roads; and 

b.     if so, what are these safety precautions and restrictions and whether they can be applied in Singapore.

Reply by Acting Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat:

1.     Policies that allow passengers to be ferried in the rear deck of goods vehicles vary internationally.

2.     To our knowledge, countries such as Thailand, as well as several jurisdictions in countries such as the United States of America and Canada, allow passengers to be carried in the rear deck of goods vehicles, subject to safety requirements such as having all passengers seated away from the edge of the vehicle. In Singapore’s context, we have imposed additional safety requirements such as the installation of canopies and higher side railings on lorries from as early as 2011 – these are not mandated in those countries.

3.     The Land Transport Authority regularly studies international and industry best practices and adapts them to Singapore’s context where relevant, bearing in mind the need to address our local circumstances and considerations.