Land Transport Authority Is there a need to ban PMDs on pavements?
I wish to give my views on the decision to ban PMDs from using the pavements.

I think it is a wrong decision. We can find a better solution to meet the need for safety for pedestrians and the need for riders to use PMDs for mobility or to make a living. 

This is how it can be done.

We have to recognize that PMDs are small and light and are the most convenient devices for food delivery. The alternative is to use motor cycles but they are bigger and need to have special parking spaces.

We also have to recognise that food delivery is for short distances and the use of slow devices, such as PMDs, are appropriate.

There is also the need to ensure that the PMDs are used in a manner that are safe for pedestrians. This can be achieved by installing a mechanism to limit the speed of the PMD to 10 kph, which is a safe riding speed, and a buzzer that is sounded when the PMD is moving.

PMD riders may wish to have a higher speed, but their wish should be balanced with the need to have a safe pavements for pedestrians. 

The riders can be severely penalised if they ride beyond the speed limit, or if they make unauthorized alternations to the PMDs to increase the speed.

All new PMDs should be licensed and tested that they have a speed limiting control and a buzzer. Existing PMDs should be given a certain period to install these devices and get the license.

Walkways can be expanded by removing the grass verge and creating separate sections for mobile devices and pedestrians. Where they cannot be expanded, the users should exercise caution.

I hope that the authority is open minded in considering an alternative approach.

Tan Kin Lian 

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