SINGAPORE: From 2017, all lorries with cranes are required to be fitted with an audio warning system to reduce the risk of collision with overhead road structures, the Land Transport Authority said on Wednesday (Nov 30).
Existing lorries with cranes have until Sep 30 to comply with this requirement, LTA added.
The warning system aims to reduce the risk of collision with overhead road structures after 20 reported cases of overhead road structures being hit by over-height vehicles since 2013.
“Many of these incidents could have been prevented if the drivers had stowed the
cranes before setting off,” LTA said.
The audio warning system features an audio buzzer in the driver’s cabin which is linked
to a limit switch installed at the base of the crane. If a limit switch is installed, the buzzer would be activated when the limit switch detects that the crane is not fully stowed.
The limit switch is installed at the base of the crane (or home position) and the crane boom rests on a lever of the limit switch (circled in yellow) when the crane boom is fully stowed.
(Source: LTA)
The audio buzzer in the driver’s cabin will not be activated when crane boom is fully stowed.
In cases whereby cranes are unable to be fully stowed due to operational reasons, an angle
sensor can be installed on the crane’s inner boom instead of the limit switch. When the sensor detects that the crane is not fully stowed and is above its maximum stowed height, the audio buzzer would be activated to alert the driver to retract the crane adequately before moving off.
When the crane is raised above its maximum stowed height the buzzer in the driver’s cabin would be activated to remind the drivers to retract their cranes adequately before moving off. (Source: LTA)
ROAD HUMPS AT HIGH COVERED LINKWAYS
LTA will also implement road humps at six locations with high covered linkways by February 2017.
(Source: LTA)
“The road humps will help reduce the speed of the over-height vehicles approaching the high covered linkways and lessen the impact if any overheight vehicle were to hit the high covered linkway,” LTA said.
LTA also reminded drivers of over-height vehicles to be cautious while driving and look out for overhead road structures.
Drivers who are found guilty of damaging road structures/buildings can be fined a maximum of S$5,000 and/or be jailed up to two years. Repeat offenders can be fined a maximum of S$10,000 and/or be jailed up to five years.
If a collision is caused by a driver driving a vehicle more than 4.5 metres in height without police escort, a first time offender will be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of S$2,000 and be jailed up to three years and may also be disqualified from driving.
