In response to recent concerns raised by motorists, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore has announced flexible options for the installation of the processing unit for the upcoming Electronic Road Pricing system (ERP 2.0). Motorists now have the choice to install the processing unit in the driver’s footwell, provided their vehicle permits it, addressing complaints about its previous location on the passenger’s side, which was deemed inconvenient and potentially unsafe.
LTA’s statement, released on May 2, outlines that if a vehicle model does not accommodate installation in either the driver’s or front passenger’s footwell, alternative installation locations will be considered, taking into account safety and technical feasibility.
This adjustment is part of LTA’s efforts to enhance the features and installation process of the ERP on-board unit based on feedback received after over 18,000 units were installed. The on-board unit comprises three components: the processing unit, an antenna, and an optional touchscreen display.
Following safety concerns, LTA introduced a button on the unit’s touchscreen display from April 19. This button allows drivers to deactivate their payment cards temporarily to use complimentary parking tickets at carpark gantries without physically removing their payment cards from the processing unit. If drivers forget to reactivate the card after leaving the carpark, their ERP payments will remain unaffected, ensuring correct deductions when passing through active ERP gantries.
Additionally, payment firm Nets will provide a complimentary Motoring Card to all motorists equipped with the new ERP 2.0 unit. This card enables drivers to tap for entry or exit at certain private carparks without the need for the Electronic Parking System, eliminating the hassle of retrieving payment cards from the processing unit.
The installation of the new on-board units began with fleet vehicles in November 2023, and new vehicles registered since May 1 come pre-fitted with equipment for the ERP 2.0 system. Motor dealers and importers have been instructed to consult buyers on installation preferences, including the placement of the processing unit and the installation of the touchscreen display.
LTA emphasizes that owners who opt not to install the touchscreen display will still receive one, providing them with the option to install it later. With the deactivation function on the touchscreen and the provision of the Nets card, motorists will only need to remove their payment cards for manual top-ups.
To assist motorists further, LTA will deploy ambassadors at vehicle showrooms and workshops to guide them on installation options and teach them how to set up automatic top-ups for their payment cards, eliminating the need for manual intervention when the balance is low.
LTA has received positive feedback from early adopters regarding safety notifications from the on-board units, particularly in school and silver zones, and during bus-lane hours. It is collaborating with the Traffic Police to expand safety notifications to include more speed-camera zones, enhancing motorists’ awareness and road safety.
The new ERP system, based on satellite navigation technology, will eventually eliminate the need for physical gantries, marking a significant advancement from the outgoing 25-year-old system. Updates and additional features will be pushed wirelessly to motorists after installation, minimizing the need for workshop visits for upgrades.
LTA acknowledges the valuable feedback from early adopters, which has contributed to improving the design and installation process, ultimately enhancing user choice, convenience, and safety.