Escalators under maintenance need notice showing timeline, BCA hotline

The new rules to beef up escalator safety are good but still overdue, since they have yet to commence (“Escalators to get their own maintenance regime, starting in November”; July 9).

Further, to ensure that neglect of escalators and lifts in shopping centres is not tolerated, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) should set a limit on the number of days an escalator or lift can be shut down for major repairs.

A notice should be placed on-site to inform the public of the shutdown date, the period of suspension and the date of operation after repair.

The BCA hotline and the telephone number of the shopping centre’s managing agent should be listed on the notice for the public to call with any complaints. Penalties should be imposed for non-compliance with these and the new rules.