Man illegally parks at Clementi dead end road, won't budge, buses can't make U-turn, ignores honking

A man parked his car illegally at a dead end road in Clementi, which prevented buses from making a U-turn.

The man, believed to be the driver of the car, was seen casually standing beside his vehicle while using his phone and seemingly refusing to budge, despite the bus driver honking.

Bus unable to move

A witness posted videos of the incident on the Complaint Singapore Facebook group on Apr. 8.

According to the witness, the man’s actions obstructed bus service 284 from making a U-turn, causing passengers on board to be temporarily stuck.

Two other buses were also seen being affected as they could not proceed along with their journeys.

But one of the private buses was seen performing a three-point turn manoeuvre to leave the area.

The witness wrote in the post that they heard the man "yelling on the phone about ego".

In another video, he was seen crossing his arms and looking up at the bus.

Double yellow lines

A reporter from Shin Min Daily News visited the area on Apr. 9 and found that vehicles entering this "U"-shaped section of the road must make a U-turn to exit.

Additionally, the area is marked with double yellow lines, indicating it is a no-parking zone.

A car park is located about 30m away.

Although the road is wide, parked vehicles can still obstruct U-turning buses and large vehicles, the Shin Min reporter observed.

Sparked discussions

The post quickly sparked heated discussions, with some criticising the driver for his arrogant attitude and selfish behaviour.

Some members of the public suggested that the car might have broken down, but the person who posted the videos countered that he saw that the car was not broken down.

Several residents interviewed by Shin Min criticised the driver for parking illegally out of convenience, which not only caused trouble for the bus driver, but also affected passengers’ journeys.

Residents said that drivers often parked there to pick up food from nearby stores out of convenience.

They also noted that law enforcement officers frequently issue parking tickets in the area, and that authorities have previously put up "No Parking" signs there.

Zhang said she sees about five to 10 cars parked in the area every month.

"Usually, as long as the bus driver honks the horn, the drivers will quickly leave. Most of these drivers are parking there to use the restroom, pack food, or take a short break."

Penalties for parking illegally

According to the OneMotoring website, parking indiscriminately can obstruct and inconvenience other road users.

It may also block the view of pedestrians or other motorists, resulting in accidents.

Parking means stopping a vehicle other than to immediately pick up and drop off passengers, goods or luggage.

A waiting vehicle can be considered to be parked even if the driver is present or if the engine is running.

Those who illegally park on double yellow lines will be fined S$70 for the first offence and S$110 for repeat offences.

The fines for illegal parking of heavy vehicles are higher, at S$100 for the first offence and S$150 for repeat offences.

Members of the public who encounter illegal parking can report it through the Land Transport Authority's OneMotoring website or OneService app.

Top photos via Complaint Singapore/Facebook