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Remove weekend ERP charges: MPs

Several Members of Parliament (MPs) called for the removal of weekend Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) charges during Tuesday's Parliament session.

Among them is Holland-Bukit Timah GRC MP Liang Eng Hwa who suggested the Land Transport Authority (LTA) conduct a trial to examine the behaviour patterns of road users, should Saturday's ERP be switched off, reported Channel NewsAsia.

MP for Mountbatten Lim Biow Chuan asked if LTA could consider allowing some traffic congestion on Saturdays, since it allows for congestion during non-critical hours on weekdays.

Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo was reported as saying the implementation of Saturday ERP charges within the Orchard and Bugis-Marina vicinities has improved traffic.

Average traffic speeds have increased by more than 10 kilometres per hour after the gantries were switched on.

But authorities will review charges where needed, the broadcaster reported.

Responding to Marine Parade GRC MP Seah Kian Peng, who suggested surveying retailers within these areas on their views on removing weekend ERP charges, Teo said the authorities are open to feedback.

But ERP will still be used for now since economic activity, such as retail trade, is taking place in these areas, she said.

One ERP charge that will be dropped, however, is the fee at Nicoll Highway.

From next year, motorists accessing East Coast Parkway through Nicoll Highwill will not have to pay ERP.

Teo told Parliament the gantry will be moved to allow motorists more travel options. She added that the ERP scheme will be fine-tuned where necessary.