Crowd and traffic safety measures in Little India kick in for Deepavali period
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Auxiliary police officers will be deployed along the affected roads and junctions to regulate traffic and assist the public.
ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
SINGAPORE – Visitors to Little India will not be able to use the Birch Road pedestrian crossing, which will be closed for 12 hours from 4pm on Oct 30, the eve of Deepavali.
The move is to ensure crowd and traffic management for the safety of pedestrians and road users, the police said in a statement on Oct 28.
With the temporary closure of the Birch Road crossing – which is in front of Angullia Mosque – the nearest pedestrian crossing will be near Kitchener Link or near Baboo Lane.
The pedestrian crossing at Campbell Lane could also be closed if needed. If this happens, the alternative pedestrian crossing will be near Sungei Road or Dunlop Street.
There will be signs at affected pedestrian crossings to help people get to the nearest alternative crossing.
Auxiliary police officers will be deployed along the affected roads and junctions to regulate traffic and assist the public.
As large crowds are expected in Little India during the festive period, people are reminded to be vigilant and safeguard their belongings.
For instance, they should make sure their bags are closed and carried in front of them, the police said. It is also best not to keep wallets in back pockets.
Action will be taken against anyone caught possessing, discharging or importing fireworks illegally, the police added.
From January 2023 to September 2024, 45 people were investigated for these offences.
Those found guilty of illegally possessing fireworks can face up to two years in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Those found guilty of illegally discharging fireworks can be given up to two years’ jail and a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
Those who misuse sparklers – such as by combining multiple sparklers together at once – can face punishment of up to a year in jail or a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
Those who end up hurting someone else with sparklers can be jailed for up to three years or fined, or both.
Little India and Geylang fall within a Liquor Control Zone – no one is allowed to drink in public within the zone from 7pm on Oct 30 to 7am on Nov 1.
Retailers who supply liquor beyond the permitted trading hours can have their liquor licences revoked, the police said.
No public drinking is allowed in such a zone from 10.30pm to 7am the next day on weekdays, while on weekends, it is 7am to 7am the next day.
On the eve of public holidays, the same rule applies from 7pm to 7am the next day, while on public holidays, it is 7am to 7am the next day.
