New Devices Will Also Help To Enhance Positioning
UPDATE (12 Sep): An LTA spokesperson reached out to us and clarified that the devices seen in the viral photo are not a new ERP gantry, previously suggested by ROADS.sg. You can read more about the devices via the link here.
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Photos of what seems like a cluster of mysterious cameras and sensors overlooking the TPE went viral recently on Facebook. If you’ve not seen it yet, here’s what they look like:
These photos, shared on Facebook group SG Kay Poh, garnered over 700 shares at the time of writing.
Netizens understandably wanted to know what it was for. Some speculated that they were speed cameras installed to catch speeding motorists.
On Wednesday (11 Sep), Singapore traffic Facebook group ROADS.sg posted an article clarifying the purpose of the devices.
As it turns out, these may, in fact, be a new ERP vehicle tracking system being tested ahead of its launch next year.
TPE speed cameras mounted on Punggol flyover
According to ROADS.sg, the cameras were mounted on Punggol Flyover which overlooks the TPE towards SLE.
The surveillance system comprises multiple cameras and sensors, which some netizens consider an “overkill“.
Netizens who were convinced that those were speed cameras even urged others to be careful when driving in the area.
Fake news, these are our new ERP system
Turns out, rumours of them being speed cameras are off the mark. ROADS.sg posted an article on Wednesday (11 Sep), debunking the ‘fake news’.
According to the article, those were in fact “next-generation ERP vehicle tracking systems” that are currently being tested ahead of its launch next year.
They even broke down what each device is used for:
In 2016, LTA awarded NCS – a subsidiary of Singtel Group – and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries a $556 million project which will see next-generation ERP system being implemented from 2020.
Still not okay to speed along TPE
We’ve reached out to the Land Transport Authorities to verify the purpose of these devices.
Meanwhile, with the multiple instances of ‘fake news’ lately, perhaps we should take unverified online materials with a big pinch of salt.
When in doubt, it’s better to wait for verification from the relevant authorities before jumping to conclusions.
In this case, even though the surveillance system may not be speed cameras, it still doesn’t mean that it’s okay to speed along the TPE. Please, drive safely at all times.
Featured image adapted from Facebook.Â
