Singapore – A Traffic Police vehicle was invisible to a Porsche as it swerved left and right along the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) until the motorcycle’s flashing lights were turned on.
A video was uploaded on the ROADS.sg Facebook page on April 4 (Thursday) showing a Porsche Carrera being flagged by TP for overtaking a slower vehicle on the right-most lane. The Porsche driver appeared to be in a hurry or annoyed at the vehicle in front which was disrupting the traffic flow in lane 1.
When the opportunity arose, the Porsche abruptly changed lanes and cut the road hogger without the proper warning signal.
Unknown to the Porsche driver was the motorcycle behind him happened to be a Stealth Traffic Police man who quickly flashed his lights and flagged down the car. The Porsche was made to stop at the road shoulder.
The incident happened near Safra Toa Payoh towards the Upper Thomson Road exit.
Why not arrest the road hogger?
Netizens were quick to indicate the violation of the slower vehicle cruising along lane 1, which is supposed to be an overtaking lane with a minimum speed limit.
Heath Tan Chek Keong commented how road hogging or cruising at lane 1, even within the speed limit, could cause traffic build-up on the road that is supposed to be used for emergency purposes and overtaking.
Meanwhile, a certain Nik Seah wrote to SPF TP and asked, “If I am at lane 1 of the expressway and at the speed limit of 90km/h, am I considered road hogging if there is a faster vehicle behind and must I give way to him?”
The TP’s reply was as follows,
“Thank you for engaging Traffic Police. We have taken note of your query. Please refer to the following:
Rule 5 of the Road Traffic Rules indicates that (1) every vehicle which is moving at a slow rate of speed shall be driven as close to the left-hand side of the roadway as possible, and (2) that every vehicle shall at all times be driven in such a manner as not to obstruct vehicles at a faster speed. Failure to comply with this is an offence punishable with a penalty of a $1,000 fine or 3 months’ imprisonment for the first offence, and a $2,000 fine or 6 months’ imprisonment for a second or subsequent offence.
The Basic Theory Driving Handbook will allow us to further understand the above rules. According to the handbook, road hogging is driving at an unreasonably slow speed on the road, especially on the right hand or along the centre of the road. Road hogging hinders the flow of traffic behind and may cause other vehicles to pass dangerously on the left.
Based on your illustrated scenario, you should not be regarded as committing the offence of road hogging since you are travelling at the speed limit.
In the interest of road safety, motorists should always abide by the speed limit of their vehicle or of the roads.
Hope this clarifies, thank you.”
Technically speaking, the car blocking the Porsche was not violating any rules although it created a rather dangerous driver behind him. Motorists only need to remember to indicate their planned actions on the road with the proper signals and do so in a safe manner.
“In summary, TP confirmed that you are not road hogging if you’re at the speed limit at lane 1.
Personally, I still think it’s always better to give way to faster cars and give the benefit of the doubt that those behind are rushing to an emergency, but you are not required by law to do so unless it’s an emergency vehicle. Drive safe, everyone,” said Nik Seah. -TISG
Watch the video below:
Now you know why they are called Stealth Traffic Police. To many drivers these TPs are invisible until when they switch on their flashing lights and siren. Happened along PIE towards Jurong at the turn-off to Upper Thomson Road.Credit: Ang Lee Siong
Posted by ROADS.sg on Thursday, 4 April 2019