Motorists can opt to install next-generation ERP unit on driver's side, says LTA

Motorists can opt to install the processing unit for their next-generation Electronic Road Pricing system (ERP 2.0) on-board equipment in the driver's footwell, if their vehicle allows it, said the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

- Ang Qing

LTA's statement on May 2 came in the wake of complaints in recent weeks from motorists, who said the location of the ERP 2.0 processing unit at the passenger's side of the vehicle made it difficult and unsafe for drivers who had to reach for cards lodged there from the driver's seat.

The authority said the unit can also be installed in other parts of a vehicle, if the car model does not allow for the unit to be installed in either the driver's or the front passenger's footwell. This is subject to safety considerations and technical feasibility.

The change is among improvements to the ERP on-board unit's features and installation process rolled out by LTA to address feed back after the units were installed in more than 18,000 vehicles.

The on-board unit has three components: the processing unit, an antenna and a touchscreen display, which is optional.

LTA said it has also introduced a button on the unit's touchscreen display since April 19 following safety concerns raised by motorists.