Big trucks threaten Singapore’s safe roads

There are now almost 49,000 trucks on the road.

An increasing number of heavy trucks will take their toll on Singapore’s well-managed network, according to a report by BMI Research.

The nation’s heavy truck fleet has grown from around 44,800 in 2009 to 48,700 in 2013. The growing size of the heavy truck fleet will result in higher levels of wear and tear than was previously the case, according to BMI Research.

“The growth in the heavy truck fleet will be compounded by additional personal passenger vehicles, with the BMI automotive team forecasting a substantial 14.4% growth in sales in 2014 alone. This will place additional demand on the system, and if Singapore doesn't enhance its road maintenance we may see delays caused by degraded infrastructure,” the report noted.

Although large trucks pose a real threat, BMI Research said that the expansion of road networks will help mitigate the effects of the burgeoning heavy truck fleet.

“[Road] projects will mitigate both the risk of congestion and the lack of motorways in the long run, as well as reduce the wear and tear pressures caused by growing truck fleets. It is also worth noting that Singapore operates a vehicle quota scheme, requiring those who wish to purchase vehicles to obtain a Certificate of Entitlement. Measures such as these will help to control the volume of traffic on the roads, reducing the risk of excessive delays,” BMI Research said.