The Environment Minister says the 1,000-fold spike derived over the past three years is largely due to greater enforcement and more complaints from the public.
Loke Kok Fai Channel NewsAsia 1 Mar 16;
SINGAPORE: About 12,000 motorists were booked over the past three years for leaving their engine on while their vehicle was stationary. The number of motorists booked for doing so in 2012 was only 12.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday (Mar 1), Environment and Water Resources Minister Masagos Zulkifli said the 1,000-fold spike is largely due to greater enforcement and more complaints from the public.
He added that there could also be a misconception that engines still needed to be warmed up to get better fuel efficiency or to make the engine last longer.
"Vehicle manufacturers we have consulted say that engines warm up faster to reach the optimal temperature when the vehicle is driven at moderate speeds upon starting," said Mr Masagos.
He added: "That's new technology that we have today, so I hope we move away from the old habits ... to new habits because engines today do not have to (be warmed up before they move)."
- CNA/hs
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