The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will implement new traffic arrangements in Little India on Sundays from this Sunday to smoothen operations for private bus services plying the Little India area and "facilitate safe passenger activities along the road".

A stretch of Hampshire Road from Rutland Road to Race Course Road will be closed from 2pm to 9.30pm, instead of 6pm to 11pm previously. The LTA put up barriers along one lane of Hampshire Road last Sunday to create a proper queuing area for foreign workers taking the buses back to their dormitories from Little India.

As a safety measure, vehicles will also be barred from turning right from Buffalo Road onto Race Course Road from 4pm to 9.30pm, when the volume of buses is higher. The LTA advised motorists to use alternative roads to Kampong Java Road and Race Course Road on Sundays during these periods, and said traffic signs will be displayed to alert motorists. It added that appropriate adjustments will be made when required.

Private bus operators pick up foreign workers from two pick-up points at Hampshire Road and Tekka Lane. The issue of private buses plying to Little India was thrown into the spotlight after a traffic accident sparked a riot earlier this month. The LTA suspended private bus services for one Sunday but allowed them to resume last Sunday with half the number of buses.