Traffic situation improves in Little India to facilitate bus service operations - 29Dec2013

SINGAPORE: Improvements have been made to the traffic situation in Little India on Sundays to facilitate the operations of bus services there.

Those who frequent the area said traffic congestion has eased with measures put in place following the December 8 riot.

Barricades went up at Hampshire Road at 2pm - four hours earlier than normal.

From December 29, Hampshire Road will be closed from 2pm to 9.30pm on Sundays, instead of 6pm to 11pm previously.

At Buffalo Road, vehicles were not allowed to turn right into Race Course Road between 4pm and 930pm during the period when bus volume along that stretch is high.

Motorists had mixed reactions as the restrictions meant a detour for some.

Ms Margaret Teo, a motorist, said: "The roads most of the time are one way. You (seldom) see two-ways like that, especially in Little India. So if I were to miss a turn I really have to go pretty far, I suppose, to U-turn."

Mr Paul Wonga motorist, said: "On Sunday nights, the buses come and ferry the workers back, so the road becomes a one-way road, so I would take alternative roads."

Hampshire Road and Tekka Lane are designated points for buses to pick up and drop off foreign workers.

And some motorists got into trouble for parking in those areas.

Overall, bus operators said they are doing their part to minimise traffic disruptions.

Mr Richard Fong, vice president of Singapore School Transport Association, said: "Our arrangements last week were not too bad but we wanted to improve it this week. We also worked with LTA. For instance, there's additional fencing this week to allow for more organised queuing."

Shopkeeprs and motorists said that although the measures have helped ease the traffic situation, they feel more can be done to ensure those who frequent the area stick to road safety rules.

They said a common problem is jaywalking, which can aggravate the traffic situation.

Minister for Law and Foreign Affairs K Shanmugam was also seen in the area.

"I wanted to come by and see for myself what it was like on Sunday afternoon. I had coffee with my nephew here. I chose this place as it's quiet, and walked around a bit just to get a sense and feel of the place," he said.

LTA has said it will monitor the traffic situation in the area and make adjustments, where required.

www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/traffic-situation/936982.html