Stiffer penalties for those who evade road blocks

SINGAPORE — From June 1, motorists who evade road blocks could be fined up to S$5,000 and/or jailed up to one year, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced today (May 29).

This is stiffer than the current penalties, which mandates a fine not exceeding S$1,000 and/or imprisonment up to six months.

The change comes after amendments to the Police Force Act (PFA) were passed in Parliament on March 13.

Under the amendments, it will also be an offence to use items bearing the Singapore Police Force’s (SPF) logos and insignias for the purpose of creating a false impression of an association with the SPF. Such an offence would carry a fine of up to S$2,500 and/or jail not exceeding six months.

Furthermore, the unauthorised distribution of SPF insignia, uniforms and items bearing SPF logos can be punishable by a maximum fine of S$10,000 and/or up to three years’ jail.

The MHA says the amendments “will strengthen the operational effectiveness of the SPF as a whole, prevent abuse of SPF items and streamline internal processes”.