I REFER to the latest announcement on the rise in Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) fees, which will take effect from Monday.

The increase in fees - from $2 to $3 - at two eastbound East Coast Parkway gantries from 6.30pm to 7pm took me by surprise.

I take a route that goes through one of the gantries to return home after work daily.

I have noticed that heavy roadworks are taking place on the road leading to the gantry.

Due to this, driving is no longer smooth. Instead, motorists have to take a winding path and slow down at certain points in order to manoeuvre past the roadworks. This results in bottlenecks in traffic during peak periods.

In the end, motorists are being penalised by having to pay higher ERP fees when returning home.

With numerous increases in ERP, the authorities should plan for reductions in road tax gradually.

On average, I spend about $4 each day on ERP charges, and this works out to $960 a year (based on 20 working days each month).

This is on top of the current road tax of about $800 that I have to pay yearly.

The road-tax structure should be reviewed and reduced accordingly.

With the ERP charges, motorists pay when they drive. And the initial aim of controlling traffic congestion in the business- district area does not stand anymore, as motorists going home are being charged as well.

Anyhow, with the economy still in an uncertain stage, it is the wrong time to increase ERP rates and make motorists dip further into their pockets.

Mr Yeong Chee Leong

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