No plans yet to price road usage islandwide under next-gen ERP system: Khaw
ERP gantry along Eu Tong Sen Street. TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE — While the next-generation Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system — slated for implementation from 2020 — allows for islandwide coverage, the Government’s intent for the moment is to price only congested roads, Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan said in Parliament on Monday (March 14).
Mr Khaw was answering a question by Member of Parliament Lee Bee Wah (Nee Soon GRC) on whether the new system would result in road pricing that is based on road use during office hours.
The technology of the new system, Mr Khaw said, would allow the Government to implement congestion pricing based on the distance motorists travel, making it “fairer” to them. “For example, motorists who travel the full stretch of a congested road can be charged more than those who travel, say, only a part of it,” he said.
Asked by Dr Lee whether plans are afoot to review the annual road tax and Certificate of Entitlement system to offset any additional costs incurred by motorists under the new system, Mr Khaw said it was too early to comment on the new system’s impact and whether adjustments should be made to any existing tax policy.
