New Electronic Road Pricing charges came into effect on Monday.
Motorists affected are those who travel on the Central Expressway (CTE), Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE) and East Coast Parkway (ECP). The latest increase in charges is the third hike this year.
Most motorists moving south on the CTE have been able to move faster, according to the Land Transport Authority (LTA).
This is possible because there are fewer vehicles due to higher ERP charges.
The biggest rise affects those moving on the CTE from the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE), which went up from S$4.50 to a record S$5.
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New ERP charges take effect
While the increases on the ERP charges on expressways are mostly between 50 cents and a dollar, the charges imposed are more frequent.
Motorists on the south-bound CTE used to have to pay ERP charges between 7.30am to 9.30am on weekdays.
But now, that period has been extended to four hours – from 7am to 11am, between Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 and Braddell Road.
New gantries have also been erected.
North-bound on the CTE, a new gantry is in place just before the PIE exit, and motorists are being charged from 5.30pm till 10.30pm on weekdays.
Another evening charge is for those travelling east-bound on the ECP, with a new gantry just before the Rochor Road exit.
There is also another one at the Ophir Road slip road, towards East Coast. The charges will apply between 6pm and 8pm.
Just after the Dairy Farm exit, before the BKE joins the PIE, another new gantry is operational from 7.30am to 9am.
LTA said the traffic flow along alternative routes such as Lornie Road, Thomson Road and Bendemeer Road, remains satisfactory.
On the BKE, a traffic incident reportedly affected traffic flow near the new ERP gantry.
LTA added that it usually takes a few days for traffic to stabilise after ERP rates are revised and new gantries are erected.
Another measure that is kicking in is that more Traffic Marshals will extend their coverage on the roads.
The Traffic Marshals are now covering the Fort Canning Tunnel, CTE as well as the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE).
The LTA said it is increasing the number of Traffic Marshals from six to 17.
So far, the Traffic Marshals have attended to three incidents of vehicle breakdowns in the KPE tunnel.
But LTA said the number of incidents will probably rise, once the Fort Canning Tunnel and CTE are included.
LTA added that it is evaluating the Marshals' performance by benchmarking it against its existing vehicle recovery service. - CNA/so
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