Forum: Advantages of ERP onboard units must not come at expense of safety or reliability
I wish to raise important concerns regarding the installation and operation of on-board units (OBUs) under the ERP 2.0 system, which affect safety, usability and regulatory compliance.
Installing OBUs involves wiring in vehicles. Industry feedback indicates that some installers reuse existing wiring while others opt for new wiring, which is ideal but more expensive. This disparity raises safety risks including electrical faults, short circuits and potential fire hazards.
Furthermore, radio frequencies in certain vehicle systems may experience interference or temporary malfunction during OBU operation.
Vehicle owners, being laypersons, have limited means to verify the quality of installation, which can result in uncertainty and inconvenience.
It was reported that around 5,400 vehicles – or 1.8 per cent of the nearly 300,000 OBUs installed since November 2023 – have encountered problems such as unresponsive devices, wiring faults and frozen displays (
Issues reported in 1.8% of cars with ERP on-board unit installed, or 5,400 out of 300k ; June 10).
Users commonly report difficulties entering carparks or passing ERP gantries, which often need lengthy follow-up visits for troubleshooting.
Another concern is the placement of OBU components near or on the windscreen, which can create blind spots and reduce driver visibility. Obstruction laws in some countries prohibit devices from being mounted on the windscreen. It would be prudent for the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to clarify Singapore's position on this matter and confirm that field-of-vision assessments align with international standards.
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While OBUs bring clear benefits, including more flexible ERP charging, improved traffic data, and prospects for smart mobility, these advantages must not come at the expense of safety or reliability.
Since it is often difficult to definitively link incidents like fires to installation negligence, transparency through independent investigations and audits is essential to maintain public trust.
LTA has stated that OBUs comply with global standards and can withstand Singapore's climate when installed correctly. However, reports of freezing displays, battery drain and unreliable gantry detection persist, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance.
Strengthening installation protocols, providing clear guidelines on mounting, and ensuring transparent oversight will bolster public confidence in the ERP 2.0 system and its safety.
Ong Kok Soon
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