This could be a new Guinness World Record.
The new laws on Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) kicked in on 1 May 2018 with heavier punishments and a clearer outline of what can and cannot be done.
And within 15 days, a whopping 166 offences by errant PMD users were caught by the Land Transport Authority (LTA).
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(Not sure about you, but I ain’t surprised given the number of nasty users we see every day)
LTA said that out of the 166 offences, 102 of them will be investigated under the Active Mobility Act.
The remaining offences are riders using their e-scooters on the roads of Singapore.
The Active Mobility Act (Briefly)
For those who are not aware of what the heck we’re talking about (or need a refresher), here’s a very brief overview of the new regulations.
The new Act restricts size and speed of PMDs
With lighter devices and a speed limit, the authorities hope to reduce the severity of injuries should there be a collision.
Plus, slower speed equals fewer chances of a collision.
So, remember this: nothing should be about 25 kmh. That’s the key number to remember.
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Harsher penalties for sellers who sell illegal devices
If sellers are not able to sell non-compliant devices, users will not be able to use them. Like Sun Tze always say, when in war, go after the source.
Harsher Penalties For Errant Riders
Since users are not able to display common sense and courtesy to other road users, the government has to draft out a few regulations to make them do so.
They’ve also made punishments harsher, including jail time and higher fines.
As Well As Specifying Where You Can Ride Your Device On
Looks pretty clear cut, right? Nope. People don’t give a damn.
Not surprisingly, given how Singaporean’s national past time besides queueing is to test the system.
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Just remember this: PMDs aren’t supposed to be on the road.
Safeguarding Pedestrians While Pushing For Car Lite Society
So why didn’t the government outright ban e-scooters? I mean, they’re the main group that’s been getting into accidents and causing trouble for Singaporeans.
That’s because the government is pushing for a car-lite society in Singapore. They’re hoping that with the new rules, pedestrians on the streets of Singapore can remain safe while PMD riders can still enjoy their riding activities.
Between January and September 2017, there were 110 PMD-related accidents reported. That’s an average of 3 accidents per week.
About 30 of them happened on footpaths between pedestrians and PMDs. The remaining accidents happened on the roads and at traffic light junctions.
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So what happens now?
The relevant authorities are trying to educate the public on safe usage of PMDs and bicycles in Singapore.
Hopefully, when PMD riders are expected to register their devices, they’ll start riding more carefully. Because now, their details are known to the authorities.
The date which users are required to do so isn’t specified yet.
Another factor which might result in these infringements could also be a lack of awareness of the new rules.
Like, for example, users mixing up e-scooters with e-bicycles.
E-bicycles are allowed on the roads of Singapore, which might lead some e-scooter users to believe that their devices are allowed on the roads.
People in the e-scooter riding community believes that with education and time, PMD users will get their act together and start living harmoniously with Singaporeans.
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What do you think?
Is it a matter of ignorance, or people simply bochap?
Now you know what Singaporeans are talking about today; do check back tomorrow for another piece of news of the day!
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