Workers’ Party working with LTA to set up pedestrian-only zones in its wards

SINGAPORE — Pedestrian-only zones are in the works for towns or housing estates managed by the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council. The Workers’ Party (WP), which runs the town council, told TODAY that it is working with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on this.

Earlier on Aug 5, Senior Minister of State for Transport Lam Pin Min said in Parliament that from Sept 1, 15 town councils run by the ruling People’s Action Party will be banning the use of personal mobility devices (PMDs) at the void decks and common corridors of public housing blocks.

He also announced that LTA will be launching a three-month trial of pedestrian-only zones in selected town councils later this year.

When asked if WP will be doing the same, the opposition party told TODAY that town councils already have the power to deter the use of PMDs in common areas.

However, enforcing this power without evidence of someone breaking the rules is “a challenge”, it added.

Still, to address the concerns over the rise of PMD-related accidents, Aljunied-Hougang Town Council has ramped up its educational efforts, reminding PMD users to be considerate to pedestrians by dismounting and pushing their PMDs at lift lobbies and void decks.

It has also encouraged residents to report irresponsible PMD riders to LTA, using the MyTransport SG mobile application.

Aljunied-Hougang Town Council manages public housing estates in Hougang and in Aljunied Group Representation Constituency, which includes Bedok Reservoir-Punggol, Eunos, Kaki Bukit, Paya Lebar and Serangoon divisions.