Forum: Faster response needed when carpark gantries malfunction
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In 2025 alone, I’ve been trapped inside three mall carparks due to gantry malfunctions.
On June 25, at City Square Mall, no one responded to the intercom despite repeated calls. Eventually, a security officer appeared but seemed to need authorisation before manually lifting the barrier.
Just two days earlier at SingPost Centre, a jam delayed my exit. And on Jan 4 at Waterway Point, it took me an hour and 15 minutes just to get from my parking space to the exit, as there was a jam that stretched across two basement levels.
I believe gantry malfunctions are not uncommon in Singapore. What I find troubling is the reluctance of operators or security staff to lift barriers promptly during breakdowns. Meanwhile, drivers remain confined – racking up extra parking charges. Refunds are not automatic; drivers have to appeal.
What guidelines are there for carpark operators when it comes to malfunctioning gantries? Should they be required to lift the barriers manually while they resolve the technical issue?
I propose that if the grace period for entering is 10 or 15 minutes before charges apply, the same timeframe should apply for releasing trapped drivers during faults. Operators should lift barriers manually within that time if they cannot resolve the issue.
Felix Kim Heok Eng
