Auxiliary police officers will be deployed along the affected roads and junctions to regulate traffic and assist the public. - Photo: ST
SINGAPORE: Visitors to Little India will not be able to use the Birch Road pedestrian crossing, which will be closed for 12 hours from 4pm on Wednesday (Oct 30), the eve of Deepavali.
The move is to ensure crowd and traffic management, for the safety of pedestrians and road users, said the police in a statement on Oct 28.
With the temporary closure of the Birch Road crossing - which is in front of Angullia Mosque - the nearest pedestrian crossing will be near Kitchener Link or near Baboo Lane.
The pedestrian crossing at Campbell Lane could also be closed if needed. If this happens, the alternate pedestrian crossing will be near Sungei Road or Dunlop Street.
There will be signs at all the affected pedestrian crossings to help people get to the nearest alternate crossing.
Auxiliary police officers will also be deployed along the affected roads and junctions to regulate traffic and assist the public.
With the large crowds are expected in Little India during the festive period, and people need to be vigilant and safeguard their belongings, for instance, by making sure bags are closed and worn in front, the police said.
It is also best not to keep wallets in the back pocket.
Anyone caught possessing, discharging or importing fireworks illegally will have action taken against them, the police added.
From January 2023 to September 2024, 45 people were investigated for these offences.
Penalties for flouting the rules on illegal fireworks is up to two years’ jail and a S$5,000 fine for illegal possession, while those found guilty of illegally discharging fireworks can be given up to two years’ jail and up to S$10,000 in fines or both.
For those who misuse sparklers - such as combining multiple sparklers together at once - can also face a hefty punishment. They face up to a year or fined up to $5,000, or both.
Those who end up hurting someone else with sparklers can be jailed up to three years’ or fined, or both.
Little India and Geylang fall within a Liquor Control Zone (LCZ), which means no one can drink in public within the zones from 7pm on Oct 30 to 7am on Nov 1.
Retailers who supply liquor beyond the permitted trading hours can have their liquor licences revoked, the police said.
No public drinking in a LCZ is allowed from 10.30pm to 7am the next day on weekdays, while on weekends, it is 7am to 7am the next day.
On the eve of public holidays, the same rule applies from 7pm to 7am the next day, while on public holidays, it is 7am to 7am the next day. - The Straits Times/ANN
