Local newspapers are heralding the success of the government’s obscene increment of the number of ERP gantries, as well as the charges levied at each gantry.

It’s almost like they have to make you believe, “hey, it’s working.”

What absolute rubbish, I say. Pray tell how you derive at these ridiculous statistics about road usage and average speeds.

SINGAPORE : The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said there has been an overall improvement in the travel speeds and traffic conditions in the city centre since the implementation of new Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) criteria and the addition of five new gantries along the Singapore River Line.

In a statement on Monday, LTA said the five new gantries have been effective in cutting down through traffic between 6pm and 8pm. Traffic volume has dropped by up to 40 per cent and speeds improved by up to 25 kilometres per hour (kph), which is within the optimal speed range of 20 kph to 30 kph.

LTA said the volume of traffic entering the new Bugis-Marina cordon dropped by up to 27 per cent and speeds improved by up to 23 kph. Speeds had previously been below the threshold speed of 20 kph before the cordon’s implementation.

LTA’s Chief Executive Yam Ah Mee said: “The overall improvement in traffic speeds and traffic conditions during the first week implementation of the July ERP changes in the CBD (Central Business District) and the first Saturday implementation of the new Bugis-Marina Cordon is most encouraging. This is similar to our experience in implementing ERP in Orchard area where we have seen the effectiveness of the ERP scheme in managing congestion. This, in turn, will help to improve the attractiveness of this location as a destination for shoppers and visitors alike.”

Mr Yam added that given Singapore’s status as a premier business, commercial and tourist hub in the region, it is imperative for the country to keep its roads smooth-flowing and free from gridlock. - CNA

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