New traffic arrangements for Little India on Sundays - 27Dec2013

SINGAPORE: New traffic arrangements will be implemented in Little India on Sundays starting Dec 29.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said this is to facilitate the operations of bus services in the area.

The move comes after a fatal accident involving a private bus, sparking off a riot on December 8.

Authorities had halved the number of scheduled buses ferrying foreign workers to Little India last Sunday.

And more measures are in store to help ease the traffic situation there.

Hampshire Road will be closed from 2pm to 930pm on Sundays, instead of 6pm to 11pm previously.

Vehicles will also not be allowed to turn right from Buffalo Road into Race Course Road from 4pm to 9.30pm, when bus volume along Race Course Road is high.

On Sundays, this stretch along Hampshire Road is a designated passenger point for bus services to pick up and drop off foreign workers. And the LTA says these measures are necessary to ensure the road is safe for such activities.

Bus operators welcomed the initiatives, adding that it will make operations easier, safer and more orderly.

But response from some residents and motorists were mixed.

"Used to be crowded, but now the crowd has lessened. I think with these new measures there will be more control," said R E Malarvannan.

"I think it's an inconvenience for motorists," commented Fahmi Chupari.

Some businesses said they are not too concerned about the new measures.

"I don't think it will affect our business because as it is difficult to get parking along Race Course Road. So I'm sure people will find somewhere else. If they really like our food, parking or traffic should not affect our customers," said Bashan Ghouse, manager of Sakunthala's.

Richerdleo Thangrajan, manager of Komala Vilas, said diners not only come to the restaurant by cars, but also by MRTs.

LTA says it will monitor the traffic situation and make appropriate adjustments, if needed.

www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/new-traffic-arrangements/935362.html