Safety labels for open-top vehicles soon?

The following article was published in the Straits Times on 25 May 2000.

Safety labels for open-top vehicles soon?
25 May 2000

THE Land Transport Authority will look into putting labels on open-top pickups and lorries, indicating the maximum number of passengers they can carry.

It is also looking into other safety measures, including installing hand straps and handholds or using luminous tape on the backs of such vehicles.

Dr John Chen, the Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology, said this in Parliament on Tuesday. He was responding to concerns from MPs for the safety of passengers in such goods vehicles.

Goods vehicles can be used to carry workers if they observe safety rules.

For example, pick-up trucks must have side railings and there is a limit to the number of passengers.

He said the LTA has publicised these rules and, together with the Traffic Police, has stepped up their checks against vehicles which flout the safety procedures.

About 480 goods vehicles were booked last year for breaking safety rules, compared to 206 vehicles in 1998.

Dr Chen added that he believes the number of accidents involving passengers from such open-back goods vehicles is very low.

(c) 2000 Singapore Press Holdings Limited.

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