I AM writing in response to the latest moves by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to raise ERP charges.

The latest moves along the Singapore River are to reduce the number of motorists who pass through the area to go to other parts of Singapore. On weekday evenings, it is logical to assume the final destination of most of these motorists is outside the city. If their destination is the east or west, they will take East Coast Parkway (ECP) or Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE) respectively.

However, this means that, eventually, the area around Keppel Viaduct and Benjamin Sheares Bridge will become more congested. LTA will then be forced to increase evening ERP charges at the gantry on the ECP before Rochor Road. When that happens, it may tip the scales in favour of going through the city again. This is a never-ending cycle.

The Straits Times spoke to various parties affected by the new gantries and about half were resigned. This is reminiscent of motorists plying the CTE every day being 'resigned' to high ERP rates. Traffic patterns are governed more by location of one's home, workplace, working hours and family needs than money alone. Given a choice between moving house and paying more ERP, it is not surprising that most motorists are 'resigned'.

In view of this, I suggest LTA adopts a new, longer- term strategy by learning from the Ministry of Health. With transparent and up-to-date information on medical costs, people can make informed decisions on health care. Instead of increasing ERP rates, LTA should make detailed real-time traffic information freely accessible on demand and let motorists decide which route to take. It has various options, ranging from cost-efficient radio channels dedicated entirely to traffic news to high-tech GPS-guided traffic navigation systems.

Patrick Khoo

EARLIER SCHEMES

'Have the authorities forgotten the initial and basic set-up of the certificate of entitlement (COE)?'
MR RAYMOND LO, who asks about earlier schemes such as Park And Ride with lower all-day parking charges, car pools, and limiting one household to one car.

NOT ENOUGH

'Hooray! I was very happy to read that ERP charges are going up. In fact, they should be raised 10-fold.'
MR LO SAN JOHN, who would be even happier if such revenue streams were used to promote public transport, especially cycling.

CAUSE OF JAMS?

'Congestion is mainly due to MRT construction work.'
MR BEN ONG, who urges the LTA to make it clear to the public that congestion in the city is not caused by motorists who do not have to go through it.

EXEMPTION FOR SOME

'Will the authorities consider a move to exempt public transport operators and taxi companies from ERP?'
MS EMILY LEONG, who argues that savings can be passed on to passengers, a further incentive for them to switch to public transport