Using mobile phones while driving, heavy vehicles speeding and failing to keep left, reckless riding – these are some of the common offences that the Traffic Police’s new road enforcers have encountered while out on patrol since June.
In a video posted on the Facebook page of Use Your RoadSense, the Traffic Police (TP) revealed footage of how its “stealth bike” team identifies the offences and in one case, chased down an errant motorcyclist for dangerous riding and speeding.
The two-minute clip has since racked up over 300,000 views and more than 7200 shares.
“These ‘men in black’ look out for common traffic offences, such as driving while using the handphone, and ensure that motorists are ever-alert on the roads.
The Singapore Police Force, which shared the video on its Facebook page, said that the traffic situation continues to show improvements in various areas, but there remain a minority of road users who endanger the lives of others.
It added: “The TP will continue to take strict enforcement against such errant motorists even as we focus on education and enforcement efforts; reminding them that all road users have a role to play in keeping our roads safe.”
Also called covert officers, the TP’s stealth bikers have been on the roads since June, in an attempt to clamp down on road offenders.
Clad in black jackets, the officers ride black 900c motorcycles that are easier to manoeuvre and have proven effective in curbing errant motorcyclists.
Here are the penalties errant motorists could incur for the following offences:
Driving while using mobile communication devices
First offence: Fine up to $1000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both
Repeat offence: Fine up to $2000 or imprisonment up to 12 months, or both
Speeding
Fine up to $200 and up to 24 demerit points
Reckless/dangerous driving
First offence: Fine up to $3000 or imprisonment up to 12 months, or both
Repeat offence: Fine up to $5000 or imprisonment up to two years, or both
(Related: TNP goes on patrol with the Traffic Police)