Geylang Serai Market carpark to pilot new digital sentry
The sentry device is equipped with LED displays and 'three-way sirens for active deterrence'. It also has the the ability to classify detected objects such as humans, cars or bikes. PHOTOS: FAISHAL IBRAHIM/FACEBOOK
SINGAPORE - A new 'parking enforcement officer' will soon keep a keen eye, 24/7, for errant motorists causing congestion at the multi-storey carpark connected to the Geylang Serai Hawker Centre and Market.
The 'officer' will be in the form of a Digital Sentry, said Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim on June 10 .
In a Facebook post, Prof Faishal, who is MP for Kembangan (Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC), said that he had received 'several feedback on the high occurrence of congestion' at Deck 3A of Blk 2 Geylang Serai Road multi-story carpark.
His post was accompanied by photos of a drop-off point that leads to the Geylang Serai Hawker Centre and Market.
'This (congestion) inconveniences residents and visitors. I am more concerned as this is unsafe especially for seniors and those who have mobility issues who may be blocked from view from oncoming vehicles,' said Prof Faishal .
He noted that even though the parking enforcement officers have been 'very responsive' , deploying them is not a sustainable solution as motorists continue to park and wait after the officers leave.
To tackle the issue, the Housing Development Board will be piloting the Digital Sentry at the carpark, he added.
'This helps to smoothen the traffic flow by nudging motorists to move their vehicles,' said Prof Faishal.
'Motorists who choose to continue waiting at the area blocking the traffic flow will have their licence plates recorded and enforcement action will be taken.'
Digital Sentry is a round-the-clock security system developed by local firm Smartguard.
According to Smartguard's website, the sentry device is equipped with LED displays and 'three-way sirens for active deterrence'. It also has the the ability to classify detected objects such as humans, cars or bikes.
'Let us all do our part to make the parking experience pleasant for all as we go about enjoying our favourite 'teh tarik' or shopping,' said Prof Faishal.
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