Over the last few months, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has stepped up measures at Tuas and Woodlands Checkpoints against evasion of payment of Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fees, fixed Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) fees and toll charges.

2.  In the three months from March to May this year, LTA estimates that revenue loss is about eight per cent of total tolls and fees revenue.

3.  In addition to putting up more signs leading to and within the checkpoints, the number of officers deployed for enforcement duties at both checkpoints has been increased by close to 20 per cent to almost 100, and will be progressively increased further as necessary.

4.  Furthermore, from 1 August 2016, a composition sum of S$50 for motorists who evade the tolls and fees will be introduced, while repeat offenders will have to pay S$100. This is up from the S$10 administrative fee payable today. Motorists who do not pay the composition sum and who are then charged for tolls and fees evasion are liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding S$1,000, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months for the first offence.

5.  Two other approaches are concurrently being studied. First, the possibility of amending the Road Traffic Act to prohibit the entry and exit of foreign vehicles with unpaid tolls, fees, taxes, penalties or composition sums. Secondly, strengthening controls over the collection of fees and tolls for vehicles entering/departing Singapore. One option being studied with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA) is the feasibility of having ICA’s drop-arm barriers lifted only when the motorist has paid all tolls and fees.

6.  More details will be announced in due course.