PMDs Are Now Banned At Void Decks And Corridors, But Not Footpaths
Update (3 Sep, 10pm): The ban officially began on Saturday (1 Sep). Any PMD user who flouts the rules can face a fine of up to $5,000.
There is, however, a grace period of 2 months, from 1 Sep to 31 Oct, before the fine officially kicks in, according to a report by The Straits Times.
Update (7 Aug, 12pm):The ban on PMDs at void decks and common corridors will take effect on 1 Sep, confirms PAP’s town council coordinating chairman Teo Ho Pin.
15 town councils run by the PAP will ban the use of personal mobility devices (PMDs) at both void decks and common corridors, as announced in Parliament today (5 Aug).
Separately, pedestrian-only zones will be tested at 4 towns: Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Bukit Batok and Khatib. This means that PMD riders must dismount and push, as one would for bicycles.
PMD accidents are rising, both in homes and in public areas, and this step is being made to counteract that, says Senior Minister of State for Transport Dr Lam Pin Min.
Town councils have the power to ban the use of PMDs at void decks, and all 15 PAP-run town councils have decided to do so. These are:
- Ang Mo Kio
- Bishan – Toa Payoh
- Chua Chu Kang
- East Coast- Fengshan
- Holland – Bukit Panjang
- Jalan Besar
- Jurong – Clementi
- Marine Parade
- Marsiling – Yew Tee
- Nee Soon
- Pasir Ris – Punggol
- Sembawang
- Tampines
- Tanjong Pagar
- West Coast
According to a statement given to TODAY, Aljunied – Hougang Town Council is considering their next course of action.
PMDs allowed on footpaths; improvements to be made
Dr Lam points out that banning PMDs on footpaths will lead to them being on roads, which is more dangerous.
Instead, S$50 million will be set aside to make changes such as widening footpaths, speed-regulating strips and warning signs.
These improvements will be made to accident-prone areas.
Cycling paths will be built in Ang Mo Kio streets 22, 41, 43, and 61 as footpaths there cannot be widened. Land will be reclaimed to build these cycling paths, to be completed in the next three years.
Do you think these changes will lead to a decrease in accidents involving PMDs? Let us know.
Featured image adapted from Ghetto Singapore and Twitter.
