We thank Mr Francis Chu for his letter “Consider lowering urban speed limits to address traffic concerns” (May 12). We fully agree that speed directly affects safety. Lower speeds reduce the risk and severity of accidents by giving all road users – pedestrians, motorists, cyclists alike – more time to react and avoid collisions or serious injuries.
2. Even though speeding-related fatal accidents saw a slight decrease in 2025, speeding violations rose from around 201,000 cases in 2024 to over 253,000 cases in 2025. Speeding-related fatalities remain a serious concern, and the Traffic Police (TP) will sustain and intensify enforcement efforts against all errant road users.
3. Other than enforcement, another way to reduce speeding is by speed management measures. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has been lowering speed limits in areas with high pedestrian volumes to ensure safety for road users, particularly vulnerable ones, through initiatives such as Friendly Streets, Silver Zones and School Zones. These lower speed limits at 30km/h or 40km/h are complemented by traffic calming measures in our road designs including road humps, raised zebra crossings, and lane narrowing, to prompt motorists to slow down and drive more carefully.
4. Ultimately, road safety depends on all road users playing their part. LTA and TP will continue to study how speed management measures can be extended to more roads where appropriate. However, we must also recognise that regulatory and enforcement efforts alone are not enough. A lasting shift in road culture – one that values adhering to speed limits, mutual consideration for fellow road users, and collective responsibility – is more critical. The few seconds saved from speeding are simply not worth the safety risks, as Mr Chu pointed out. We urge all road users to make safety their priority and support our efforts to making our roads safer for all.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Ho Yenn Dar
Director (covering), Public Affairs Department
Singapore Police Force
Alvin Chia
Senior Group Director, Traffic and Road Operations
Land Transport Authority
