Singapore: Area Licensing Scheme/Road User Charge

Part of the Road Traffic Act, this scheme started in 1975 to limit the traffic into the center of the city (the Central Business District) during peak hours. Licenses to enter the area had to be pre-purchased and visibly displayed on the vehicle.  Violators were fined through the mail.  Since then the program has been expanded.  All vehicles are fitted with an in-vehicle unit using a cash card. The stored value in the cash card is automatically deducted when a vehicle enters the city or travels along the more congested expressways and major roads where the charge has been levied.  Charges depend on the road/part of the road traveled, the hour of the day or day of the week of travel, and the make/model of vehicle.  Singapore has plans to expand this system still further.

Date Implemented: 1975, 1998

Status: In Force; Mandatory

References: National Communication to the UNFCCC

http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/ http://www.blpnet.org/learning/casebooks/uncrd/yuan.pdf