PUBLISHED ONSeptember 28, 2026 8:54 AMBYSean LerThe ERP 2 system uses Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology, with the on-board unit (OBU) detecting when a vehicle passes an ERP charging location to calculate the applicable ERP charges.
It can also be used to pursue distance-based charging, if the Land Transport Authority (LTA) eventually decides to.
Given how GNSS works, some motorists have discussed the possibility of the ERP 2 system being used for enforcement, such as speeding-related offences — especially after the Republic increased penalties for speeding offences earlier on Jan 1, and with the upcoming revision to the Driver Improvement Points System.
Addressing some of these questions in a press release on Monday (Sept 28) to announce the introduction of new road markings and signs to support the transition to ERP 2, LTA reiterated that the system is designed primarily for payment and charges.
It added that ERP 2 will enhance LTA's ability to manage traffic across Singapore, while giving it "better tools" to detect and enforce vehicle-related offences.
But even with ERP 1, gantry records have already been used for enforcement purposes, the authority pointed out.
"As part of existing enforcement efforts, LTA uses ERP 1 gantry records to detect vehicles that should not be used on our roads, such as deregistered vehicles."
The authority added that ERP 2 will continue to be used to enforce against vehicle-related offences, such as the provision of illegal cross-border taxi services, to ensure safer roads for all users.
In a Facebook post on Sept 28, LTA shared how the ERP 2 on-board unit (OBU) helps it detect foreign cross-border taxis that illegally provide domestic trips within Singapore.
According to the authority, all licensed foreign cross-border taxis are required to install the ERP 2 OBU, which helps it detect and take action against such offences.
Between May and July 2026, LTA said it used ERP 2 data to detect 60 instances of suspicious behaviour involving 31 unique foreign vehicles. The drivers were contacted and reminded of their offences.
The authority added that formal enforcement action against foreign cross-border taxis offering illegal ride-hailing trips in Singapore commenced in September 2026.
On whether the system can potentially be used for enforcement against speeding offences, LTA said: "ERP 2 can also be potentially used for enforcement against speeding offences, but further enhancements are needed before any such use."
In a written parliamentary reply on May 5, Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow similarly acknowledged the potential use of ERP 2 for enforcement, including traffic offences, but made the same point about further enhancements being required.
Nonetheless, LTA emphasised that access to and use of all ERP 2 data will be limited to authorised purposes and subject to strict safeguards governing its collection, use and security.
Now you know.
[[nid:746260]]
