Security checks, road blocks for Shangri-La Dialogue this weekend

SINGAPORE — Expect road blocks and stringent security checks at and around the Shangri-La Hotel from Friday to Sunday, the police said ahead of an annual, high-powered summit on regional security.

The 16th edition of the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) will be held at the hotel from June 2 to 4.

Australian Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull will deliver the keynote address on Friday, while United States Defence Secretary James Mattis is expected to outline the Trump administration’s Asia-Pacific policy on Saturday.

In a statement on Tuesday, the police urged the public to comply fully with the instructions of the officers at these check points. Those who engage in activities that compromise security within the area will be dealt with firmly, they added.

In 2015, a car carrying three people tried to crash through the police barricades at one of the checkpoints during the SLD

The police opened fire on the car, which stopped at the junction of Orange Grove Road and Anderson Road. The driver was killed.

The two passengers were arrested and later charged with heroin trafficking, after bags of the substance were found in the vehicle.

In their latest statement, the police said motorists should avoid the roads surrounding Shangri-La Hotel, especially Anderson Road and Orange Grove Road. They should also plan their journey early, as traffic is expected to be slow-moving during the period.

Motorists are advised to use Scotts Road if they are proceeding to Stevens Road from Tanglin Road; Orchard Road from Stevens Road; or Balmoral Road.

Also, vehicular traffic along Ardmore Park in the direction of Draycott Drive (between Anderson Road and lamp post 6 near Ardmore II Condominium) will be reversed from 12.01am on Friday to 8pm on Sunday. This means that vehicles would not be allowed to turn into Ardmore Park from Anderson Road.

Motorists going to Ardmore Park ought to use Draycott Park or Draycott Drive instead.

Commercial vehicles going to Anderson Road will also be restricted. Those proceeding to Shangri-La Hotel should use Ardmore Park via Draycott Drive or Draycott Park.

Hotel visitors are advised to car pool or take public transport as parking facilities will be restricted. Vehicles found parking indiscriminately and/or causing obstruction will be towed.

The police also urged the public not to conduct any aerial activities in the area and its vicinity. These include the flying of unmanned aircraft, kite-flying and the hoisting of captive balloons.

“Public understanding and cooperation is greatly appreciated,” the statement added.