A 55-year-old man is expected to be charged in court on 30 July 2025 for two serious traffic offences involving a heavy motor vehicle, following a high-impact collision with a tunnel structure along Cairnhill Road leading into the Central Expressway (CTE).
The incident occurred on 8 November 2024 at approximately 12:05pm. According to police investigations, the man was operating a lorry fitted with a crane attachment when he attempted to enter the slip road into the CTE tunnel. However, the crane boom was left in a raised position and struck the height limit barrier before colliding with the tunnel itself.
The accident resulted in significant damage to both the barrier and the tunnel’s mechanical and electrical systems. The total cost of repairs has been estimated at an eye-watering S$1.4 million, underscoring the severity of the incident.
Police arrested the driver on the same day. He is being charged for driving a heavy vehicle that collided with a structure and for operating a vehicle that exceeded the legal height limit of 4.5 metres without the required police escort. Alarmingly, this is not his first time committing these offences.
Serious Legal Consequences for Repeat Offences
Under Section 65A of the Road Traffic Act 1961, driving a heavy motor vehicle into any building or structure is punishable by a fine of up to S$5,000 or up to two years’ jail, or both. For repeat offenders, the penalty increases to a fine of up to S$10,000, five years’ imprisonment, or both. The driver may also face disqualification from holding a driving licence for all classes of vehicles.
The offence of driving an over-height vehicle without police escort, as outlined under Section 79(1) of the same Act, is even more stringent. A first-time conviction carries a mandatory jail term of one to three years, along with a fine of up to S$2,000. A second or subsequent conviction mandates a jail term of two to five years and a fine of up to S$5,000.
Height Limits Must Be Strictly Observed
Authorities have reiterated the importance of adhering to road regulations, especially when operating heavy vehicles with attachments that may exceed height limits. Vehicle owners and drivers of lorries, cranes, and similar machinery must secure the necessary police or auxiliary police escort when transporting loads that exceed 4.5 metres in height.
The Traffic Police stressed that such negligence not only endangers the safety of road users but also results in substantial financial loss to public infrastructure. Drivers are urged to plan routes carefully to avoid height-restricted roads and tunnels, and ensure that all attachments are properly secured before moving off.
The police have warned that they will take firm and decisive action against any motorist found violating such regulations, especially in cases where there is repeat offending or damage caused to public structures.