Measures announced to make Singapore's roads safer

A slew of measures have been announced to make Singapore's roads safer.

From June this year, those who are obtaining a Class 2B motorcycle licence will have to undergo a compulsory Expressway Familiarisation Ride course.

The course was introduced in December 2010 but has only been offered as an option.

Speaking in Parliament, Second Home Affairs Minister S Iswaran said riders who have taken the course over the past 2 years were found to be significantly less prone to be involved in accidents on expressways.

The Traffic Police will also introduce a new Safe Driving Course.

Those who have accumulated twelve demerit points or more can voluntarily sign up for the course to correct their road habits early.

Three demerit points will be deducted from their record if they pass the course.

Mr Iswaran said while road safety in Singapore has generally improved, there's a growing number of violations for dangerous offences such as speeding and running the red light.

Laws will be amended at the end of this year for such offences committed near schools.

Offenders will be slapped with an additional demerit point.