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Singapore puts the brakes on new car sales

File photo dated 03/06/17 of a general view of Singapore, as Singapore has raised the prospect of renegotiating terms on a long-awaited free trade deal with the European Union (EU) due to the impact of Brexit, a Square Mile official has revealed.
File photo dated 03/06/17 of a general view of Singapore, as Singapore has raised the prospect of renegotiating terms on a long-awaited free trade deal with the European Union (EU) due to the impact of Brexit, a Square Mile official has revealed.

The city-state of Singapore is already one of the most difficult places in the world to own a car, with government fees increasing the price of even a modest hatchback to over £60,000. Now, though, it's about to get a lot harder, with the government pledging to freeze the number of cars on the roads in a bid to reduce congestion in the crowded city.

Currently, wannabe motorists in Singapore must apply for a Certificate of Entitlement before they can even purchase a vehicle. Lasting for only 10 years, the certificate can cost up to £50,000 for vehicles with engines over 1.6-litres – and must be reapplied for at the end of that period.