Traffic enforcement cameras costs S$100,000 to S$170,000 each to install in Singapore

The installation of a traffic enforcement camera by the Singapore Traffic Police ranges in cost from S$100,000 to S$170,000.

This was revealed by Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Law, in response to a parliamentary question raised by Mr Leong Mun Wai, a Non-constituency Member of Parliament, on Tuesday (6 Feb).

Mr Leong had inquired about the cost of installing a traffic enforcement camera at a signalised intersection and whether there were plans to deploy additional cameras to detect red-light running offences.

In his written response, Mr Shanmugam wrote, “The cost of installing a new traffic enforcement camera at a signalised intersection ranges between S$100,000 and S$170,000, depending on the site conditions.”

He outlined that the Traffic Police employ a risk-based approach to the deployment of traffic enforcement cameras, targeting areas that are more prone to accidents and traffic violations.

“It assesses the situation on our roads, and where merited, will install such cameras.” said the Minister.

This parliamentary question by Mr Leong comes in the backdrop of the concerning data released in the Singapore Police Force’s Mid-Year Traffic Situation 2023 report.

According to the report, there has been an increase in road traffic accidents and fatalities in the first half of 2023 compared to the previous year.

Notably, the number of fatalities from red-light running, speeding, and drink-driving accidents saw an increase, even though there was a decrease in the total number of such accidents. The rise in accidents involving motorcyclists and elderly pedestrians remains a particular concern.

In the first six months of 2023, the total number of traffic accidents resulting in injuries or fatalities rose by 11.8% to 3,542, up from 3,169 in the same period in 2022. Correspondingly, the number of injured persons and fatalities surged by 17.1% to 4,550, from 3,886.

A significant increase of 61.4% was observed in accidents resulting in fatalities, with the number of fatalities itself increasing by 57.8%.

The issue of traffic enforcement camera deployment is especially pertinent given that, as reported by OpenGov in 2017, Assistant Commissioner Sam Tee indicated that the current fixed cameras take about six months to deploy.