The public's reactions to the personal mobility devices (PMDs) ban at Town Council void decks and common areas have been mixed, according to Senior Minister of State for Transport, Janil Puthucheary.

Speaking in Parliament on Oct. 7, Janil addressed questions by MPs Alex Yam, Lee Bee Wah, and Lim Biow Chuan about PMD usage in Singapore.

Mixed feedback from public on void deck ban

Yam asked for the public's feedback regarding the recent PMD ban at town council void decks and common corridors.

He also asked if the reported number of PMD incidents have dropped since the ban, and if it has had an impact on food and good delivery.

According to Janil, some members of the public welcomed the ban because it enhanced safety, while others expressed concerns about reduced connectivity.

There hasn't been a "noticeable drop" in reported incidents yet as LTA ia still in a two-month advisory period until Oct. 31, 2019.

He added that the ministry expects the full impact of the ban to be clearer after the town councils start their enforcement actions.

Regarding food and goods delivery, the ministry has not received adverse feedback from delivery companies regarding the ban, partly because deliveries are done largely via motorcycles and delivery vehicles.

161 non-compliant devices seized since July

Lee asked for the number of illegally modified e-scooters seized since July. She also asked if penalties will be enhanced for owners of illegally modified e-scooters.

In response to Lee, Janil said that 161 non-compliant devices, including illegally modified ones, were seized by LTA from July to September 2019.

Janil also stated that LTA is studying upstream measures, including import controls, to tackle the problem of non-compliant PMDs.

LTA is also reviewing the penalties for illegal modification of PMDs and other offences, he added.

On the same day, LTA announced that all registered e-scooters will be required to undergo a mandatory inspection every two years.

More than 940 PMDs collected for early disposal

Janil also responded to Lim regarding LTA's early disposal incentive for e-scooters that do not meet the UL2272 safety standard

Under this scheme which is covered by the government, LTA has received more than 2,800 applications for early disposal and collected more than 940 PMDs between Sep. 23 and Oct. 3.

Top image via LTA/Facebook.