SINGAPORE: A total of 25 motorists were booked for excessive smoke emission from their vehicles and leaving their engine idling, during an enforcement operation on Thursday (Nov 3) carried out by the National Environment Agency (NEA).
The operation was conducted in Woodlands, Marsiling, Telok Blangah and Bukit Merah.
Twelve vehicles – of which four were foreign-registered – were booked for emitting smoke while travelling on the road, while 13 local vehicles were found with their engines running while in a stationary position, for reasons other than traffic conditions.
NEA hands out educational brochures to motorists on the road on the importance of turning off vehicle engines when stationary. (Photo: NEA)
NEA said it regularly conducts enforcement operations to reduce vehicular emissions to ensure cleaner air for all.
Under the Environmental Protection Management (Vehicular Emissions) Regulations, it is an offence for any vehicle to emit smoke while in use on the road.
Commercial diesel vehicles, including buses and taxis, must undergo mandatory smoke inspections periodically at authorised inspection centres. Owners of smoky vehicles will be offered a tiered composition sum based on vehicle type and number of offences committed. If they fail to pay the sum, they shall be liable to a maximum court fine of S$5,000.
Since June this year, NEA imposed tougher penalties on repeat offenders who leave their engines idle. They face a fine of S$100, up from S$70 previously. If the sum is not paid, the errant motorist will be liable to a maximum court fine of S$5,000.
“Reducing vehicle exhaust emissions is a priority and requires a concerted effort,” the agency said. “Members of the community and stakeholders are urged to play their part in keeping our environment clean and ensuring high standards of public health,” said NEA.
