PMD Ban on Void Decks & Housing Estates to Take Effect from 1 Sept & Monitored by Over 70,000 CCTVs

Here’s the good news: from next month onwards, you can put on your headphones peacefully without having to worry that a speeding PMD is dashing towards you from behind.

And here’s the bad news: from next month onwards, be prepared to wait longer for your GrabFood.

Because the PMD ban on PAP town councils will be implemented from 1 September 2019.

Banning of PMD Use in Void Decks and Common Corridors in PAP Town Councils

On Monday (5 August 2019), it’s revealed in Parliament that all the 15 PAP town councils will ban the use of PMDs in void decks and common corridors, which means your poor food delivery rider would have to walk on the void deck to find the correct lift to your unit.

This decision was made after discussions with the town councils.

The only town council that hasn’t committed to this is the opposition-run town council, Aljunied-Hougang East Town Council, which is still considering the ban.

Back then, the date to implement this wasn’t disclosed.

Today, the date is cast in stone: 1 September 2019.

And more details about this ban is also provided.

Details About Ban

For a start, this doesn’t apply to personal mobility aids (PMA) such as motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters, as they’re used by individuals who have difficulty in walking.

If you’re confused what a PMA is, it’s the one that can crash a glass door:

According to the PAP Town Councils coordinating chairman Dr Teo Ho Pin, there have been 190 feedback on “reckless behaviours of PMD users” in the estates—and that’s before the implementation of the LTA app that allows users to submit photos or reckless PMD riders and their “mobile CCTV” to catch errant riders.

Polcam CCTV to Catch Reckless Riders

Remember seeing this everywhere?

Well, other than helping the police to find yet another molester, these cameras would be used to identify reckless PMD riders, too.

Dr Teo added, “With the surveillance by over 70,000 Polcam CCTVs (closed circuit television cameras installed by the police) and the Lift Surveillance System at void decks and lifts, town councils will be able to identify reckless PMD users and take the necessary enforcement action.”

PMD riders who violated the rules (i.e. riding in void decks) be penalised under the town councils’ amended Common Property and Open Spaces By-Laws.

In addition, he also highlighted the fire hazards the PMDs have caused so far, saying, “They (PMD owners) should also take the necessary fire safety prevention measures when charging their PMDs in their flats…We urge all PMD users and residents to keep a close community watch, promote a gracious and safe environment for all, and join in our efforts to reduce fire and safety hazards in our towns.”

Suffice to say, the authorities have now taken a tougher stance against reckless PMD riders, so if you’re one who likes to blast your JBL speakers loud loud to warn others about your impending approach at high speed, considered yourself warned.