Singapore Enacts 2027 Ban on Caged Lorries for Worker Transport Following Years of Safety Advocacy

Singapore will ban caged lorries for transporting workers by 2027. Learn about the new safety regulations, conversion options, and the history of this policy.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 4, 2026, 4:50 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from CNA

The Implementation of a Targeted Safety Ban

Singapore has officially announced a ban on the use of caged lorries for the transportation of workers, effective from 2027. Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling detailed the policy during the Ministry of Transport’s (MOT) budget debate, emphasizing that the current configurations pose unacceptable risks during emergencies. The ban specifically targets rear decks equipped with cage-like enclosures that are often latched or locked from the outside. In the event of a fire or a high-speed collision, such mechanisms prevent workers from escaping the vehicle, transforming a transport medium into a potential trap. This policy change marks a significant milestone in Singapore’s evolving workplace safety regulations.

Scope of the New Regulation and Compliance Options

While there are approximately 50,000 lorries currently registered in Singapore, only a small fraction—estimated between 500 and 1,000—utilize these caged decks for worker transport. Under the new rules, these specific vehicles may still be used for the transport of goods, but their use for human passengers will be strictly prohibited. For companies that wish to continue using these vehicles for their workforce, the MOT and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) have outlined a conversion path. Rear decks must be modified to incorporate safer alternatives, such as canopies and side railings, which provide protection without the entrapment risks associated with cage doors.

The Culmination of a Decades-Long Policy Debate

The decision follows years of intense advocacy from non-governmental organizations and migrant worker rights groups, such as HOME. Historically, the Singaporean government had resisted a blanket ban on lorry transport, citing the economic impact on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Previous transport ministers have noted that a sudden shift to bus-only transport could lead to project delays, job losses, and significantly higher costs for consumers. However, the 2027 ban on caged lorries represents a compromise—a targeted intervention that addresses the most dangerous form of lorry transport while allowing for a transition period.