Many motorists are unhappy about the increased Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) charges.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced another hike in ERP charges on Monday, including one that will cost motorists S$5. This is the third time that ERP rates are being raised this year.
Drivers said they hope that with the recent increase in petrol prices, the raised charges could be delayed.
The biggest hike will hit those travelling on the Central Expressway (CTE), where rates will hit a high of S$5 after an increase of S$0.50.
Pao Kiew Tee, a motorist, said: "I don't think increasing the ERP is the way to control traffic. The traffic situation doesn't seem to improve. I think they must look at it more fundamentally, look from another point of view instead of increasing ERP."
Harry Soh, another motorist, said: "We are already financing a heavy petrol price right now so any increase in ERP, increases the burden of our so-called livelihood – we don't get a pay increment, but everything else is increasing!"
Some also have suggestions on how to ease the congestion on the roads.
"The COE should go higher, around S$80,000. The traffic is horrible, especially at the CTE and TPE. We must reduce the vehicle volume; there are just too many vehicles on the road," said Oh Boon Song, a taxi driver.
Janet Chee, another motorist, said: "If we can plan our route earlier or leave earlier, maybe it won't be so crowded. I don't know how we are going to expand the roads."
The ERP rate hike will be implemented on 5 November. - CNA/so
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