Singapore’s upcoming ERP 2.0 system may eventually be used not only for road pricing but also to help enforce traffic rules such as speeding, according to Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow.
The clarification came in a written parliamentary reply on May 5, where he addressed questions raised about whether the system could be leveraged to monitor speeding in areas such as Silver Zones and School Zones.
The query was filed by Holland-Bukit Timah GRC Member of Parliament Edward Chia.
ERP 2 Designed Mainly For Road Charging, But Has Broader Potential
In his response, Mr Siow explained that the ERP 2 On-Board Unit was primarily developed for electronic road pricing and related charges, forming the backbone of Singapore’s next-generation traffic management system.
However, he also noted that the system includes features that could support road safety initiatives.
These include real-time traffic updates and situational alerts, such as warnings when vehicles enter designated Silver Zones or School Zones, where stricter safety measures are in place to protect elderly pedestrians and schoolchildren.
Silver Zones are specially designated areas aimed at reducing accidents involving seniors, while School Zones are high-risk areas where speed limits are strictly enforced during school hours.
Speeding Enforcement Possible, But System Needs Upgrades
Mr Siow added that although ERP 2 has the technical potential to assist with enforcement against offences like speeding, additional enhancements would still be required before such functions can be fully implemented.
He stressed that both the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Home Affairs are currently studying the technical and operational details needed to make such enforcement viable.
This suggests that while the infrastructure may eventually support expanded enforcement capabilities, the system is still in development and not yet configured for that purpose.
Future Road Safety Tech Under Review
The remarks indicate that Singapore is exploring how digital road pricing systems could evolve into broader smart transport tools in the future.
By integrating enforcement capabilities into existing road infrastructure, authorities could potentially improve compliance with speed limits and enhance safety in high-risk zones.
However, officials appear cautious about implementation, signalling that privacy, accuracy, and system reliability will need to be carefully addressed before any enforcement features are activated.
Balancing Technology And Road Safety Goals
The discussion around ERP 2 reflects Singapore’s ongoing efforts to balance technological innovation with road safety objectives.
As vehicle numbers continue to rise and urban traffic becomes more complex, authorities are increasingly looking at digital solutions to improve monitoring and enforcement efficiency.
For now, ERP 2 remains primarily focused on electronic road pricing, but its potential future role in traffic enforcement signals how transport technology in Singapore may continue to evolve in the years ahead.