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When a traffic incident occurs, the
vehicle recovery crew will arrive at
the site in a yellow tow truck.
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Traffic incidents that may occur along expressways include vehicle breakdown, unattended vehicles, accidents and fallen trees.
These can affect smooth traffic flow and prompt action is needed to restore normal traffic flow quickly.
When a traffic incident is detected, the Operations Control Centre (OCC) will dispatch an EMAS Recovery tow truck to the incident site, as part of the incident management process. The EMAS Recovery crew will render assistance by securing the incident site and subsequently towing away the stalled vehicles or removing obstructions such as fallen branches or trees. In addition, an LTA Traffic Marshal may also be dispatched on site to aid in the recovery process.
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The LTA Traffic Marshal service is a relatively new incident management scheme, introduced together with the opening of the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway Phase 1 on 26 October 2007. Since then, the Traffic Marshal service has also been extended to serve all of Singapore's expressways.
LTA Traffic Marshals expedite the process of clearing incidents that hold up traffic on expressways by working together with the existing EMAS Recovery to bring traffic flow back to normal as fast as possible.
While EMAS Recovery provides towing services and removes obstructions on roads, LTA Traffic Marshals are Auxiliary Police Officers who are empowered to perform traffic control duties and On-Scene Management duties such as evidence preservation for accidents involving slight injuries.
Cameras, strategically located on all expressways, assist the operations staff in the Operations Control Centre (OCC) at the Intelligent Transport Systems Centre (ITSC) to detect incidents and congestion as soon as they occur. Once an incident is verified, the LTA Traffic Marshals, together with the EMAS Recovery, arrive within 8 to 15 minutes of activation to attend to incidents on the expressways.
Swift response to incidents on expressways is achieved through constant monitoring, frequent patrols, public feedback and close liaison with other emergency agencies such as the Traffic Police and Singapore Civil Defence Force.
When encountering congestion
- Motorists are advised to tune in to local radio channels for traffic updates when on the move.
- Prior to entering expressways or when travelling on expressways, motorists are also advised to refer to EMAS signs for traffic updates.
- In the event of congestion, motorists should consider using alternative routes and avoid the congested location.
- When passing an incident site, motorists can help to minimise unnecessary congestion by driving on and keeping a constant look-out for traffic situation ahead to avoid secondary accidents.
Vehicle breakdown recovery process
- The EMAS Recovery crew will inform the driver that his vehicle will be towed to the nearest designated public car park as it is dangerous to stay on the expressway.
- The EMAS Recovery will take photographs of the vehicle and inform the driver where the vehicle will be towed to.
- At the car park, the EMAS Recovery crew will take photographs of the vehicle again and advise the driver to display parking coupons while waiting for his/her own tow truck to arrive.
Handling of accident cases
- Upon arrival, the EMAS Recovery crew and LTA Traffic Marshals will cordon off the accident site with traffic cones and give first aid to the injured, if necessary.
- For cases involving serious injuries, TP and SCDF will also be informed and dispatched.
- At the accident site, the EMAS Recovery crew and LTA Traffic Marshals will help in traffic control as well as rescue and recovery operations.
- If required, the LTA Traffic Marshals will also perform On-Scene Management and record the accident details and evidence. The recovery crew will also take photographs of the accident vehicle(s). If cleared by the Traffic Police, the vehicle will be towed to the nearest designated car park.
What you should do when your vehicle breaks down or is involved in an accident along the expressway:- Switch on the hazard lights.
- If your vehicle can still be moved, get it onto the road shoulder quickly.
- Place the breakdown sign (a red equilateral triangle) 60m behind the vehicle.
- Open the trunk and hood to alert other drivers.
- Stay at the downstream of the vehicle, and behind the vehicle impact guardrail (VIG) if possible.
- Do not allow passengers to remain in or around the vehicle.
- Call the Operations Control Centre (OCC) at 1800-CALL LTA (1800-2255 582).
Handling of unattended vehicles
- The recovery crew will take photographs of the vehicle. If the doors are not locked, the crew also lists down the items inside.
- The removable items found inside the vehicle will be brought to the Operations Control Centre (OCC) where the vehicle owner can claim them.
If your vehicle has been towed away:
- You will be notified by post to contact the Operations Control Centre (OCC) for the whereabouts of your vehicle and to make an appointment to collect your items.
- You can also call the LTA Customer Service Line at 1800-CALL LTA (1800-2255 582) to enquire about your vehicle.
Emergencies in Road Tunnels
What you should do during emergencies in the road tunnels:
Vehicle breakdown
- Switch on the hazard lights.
- Move to the extreme left side of the road, if the vehicle is still movable.
- Use the nearest SOS telephone to get help from the Operations Control Centre (OCC).
Accident
- If there are no injuries, drive out of the tunnel immediately. Discuss details relating to the accident at a safe location away from the tunnel.
- Use the nearest SOS telephone to get help if there is an injury, or if your vehicle cannot move.
Disrupted power supply
- If the main power supply is disrupted, the lighting level will be reduced for a short while; continue to drive carefully at a slower speed.
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A fire service cabinet in the CTE
tunnel
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Fire
If your vehicle is on fire- Use the emergency button to sound an alarm.
- Alternatively, use the portable fire extinguisher to put out the fire.
Both items can be found in the fire service cabinets, located at 50m intervals.
If there is thick smoke and poor visibility in the tunnel,- Turn off your engine.
- Switch on the hazard lights and leave your vehicle.
- Use the nearest emergency exit to leave the tunnel.
When encountering congestion
- Tune in to any radio channel from MediaCorp/NTUC/SAFRA for emergency announcements.
Related Information
Last Updated: 22 August 2011