Motorists could have been better assisted before MCE opens

On the first working day after its opening, the Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE) was met with heavy congestion. But Transport Minister Mr. Lui Tuck Yew thinks that a combination of factors, such as motorists driving more carefully as they are not familiar with the new road and not taking appropriates routes, were the main reasons that contributed to the congestion on 30^th December.

However, Mr. Lui said that more could have been done prior to the opening to help motorists, such as setting up more signs to provide earlier guidance. The statement was made in Parliament on Monday.

He added that speeds along the MCE and downgraded East Coast Parkway (ECP) are now generally faster than on the old ECP, with speedier traffic that exceeds 65km/h at some points during the morning and evening.

In response to questions posed on whether Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) rates in the vicinity will be increase, Mr. Lui said the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is currently reviewing ERP charges for the next quarter, and will announced the results in time to come.