Singapore: Financial disincentives to car ownership

The Ministry of Finance has levied a steep import duty on vehicles. The Land Transport Authority collects a heavy registration fee and an additional registration fee (ARF) for each vehicle registered in Singapore, as well as the annual Road Tax, which increases proportionate to the size of the vehicle’s engine, penalizing owners of larger capacity, higher polluting engines.

Date Implemented: 1970s

Singapore: Vehicle quota system

This legislation limits car ownership in Singapore and thereby limits the number of cars allowed on the road.  Ownership requires a certificate of entitlement (valid for 10 years) and the quota system is based on categories of vehicles differentiated by engine size.

Date Implemented: 1990

Status: In Force; Mandatory

Singapore: Area Licensing Scheme/Road User Charge

Singapore: Educational and Awareness Campaigns

The government has instituted education and awareness campaigns. The National Environmental Agency provides educational materials and brochures. Green Circle promotes recycling and environmental awareness for children. More examples available at: http://app.nea.gov.sg/cms/htdocs/category_sub.asp?cid=67 and at http://app.nea.gov.sg/

Status: In Force; Government Initiative

Singapore: Rapid Transit System Act

This Act outlines the framework for the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of rapid transit systems.

Date Implemented: 1995

Status: In Force; Framework Policy/Government Initiative

South Korea: National Territory Plans

These plans aim to lead Korea’s development in a sustainable manner: planning and managing all aspects including traffic flows, energy consumption, population demographics, land use, food security and tourism, with an eye towards sustainability and the environment. 

Date Implemented: 1972, current 2000-2020

Status: In Force; Mandatory

South Korea: National Intermodal Transportation Plan

Enacted in accordance with the Transportation System Efficiency Act, this plan was intended to maximize the benefits of intermodal transportation. The plan includes promoting a light railway system, promoting bus services in remote areas; and promoting traffic efficiency, (reducing heavy traffic hours, providing of mass transport modes). It also strengthens the government’s financial support to mass public transportation.

South Korea: Transportation System Efficiency Act

The Transportation System Efficiency Act outlines the guidelines for the construction of transportation infrastructure and management of transport systems. Korea’s major cities are required to establish mid- and long-term urban transportation plans. It also includes plans to improve mode sharing. 

Date Implemented: 1999

Status: In Force; Government Initiative

South Korea: Traffic Demand Management Policy

The Traffic Management Policy includes measures such as an automobile numbering program, commuting bus operation, variation in commuting hours and reducing ‘traffic inducement charges’ for companies implementing Traffic Demand Management. Furthermore, chronic traffic congestion areas are being designated as traffic congestion special management zones, and improvements in signaling, marking, traffic and parking lot use are being made.

South Korea: e-Standby Program

This program was designed to promote the use of energy saving products in the home and office that decrease standby power consumption. The products that meet the energy saving standard set by the government are entitled to bear the Energy Saving Label (http://www.kemco.or.kr/english/energyboy.gif).  Products covered include computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers, TVs, DVD players, and microwaves.

Status: In Force; Voluntary