Attention to all motorist!
HDB has now resorted to using CCTV to issue parking summons.
Imagine my shock when I received a letter from HDB telling me that
CCTV has shown that I have committed an offence for illegal parking
in a HDB common property area. I was asked to pay a fine of $100
and failure to do so and upon conviction in Court to be fined up to
$5,000.
A hefty $100 fine for 10-15 minutes of
illegal parking in a common HDB compound at Gangsa road beside some
HDB flats. Beside, such common compound are common sight in
Singapore. At the time of offence, I was outside my car testing out
my new camera phone and make a quick errand to the nearby coffee
shop just beside the road to buy dinner. Total estimated time taken
was between 10-15 minutes.
From the CCTV footage, HDB could have seen my family waiting for
me inside the car with windows winded down. Is there really a need
to impose a $100 fine on me? Why cant HDB be more understanding
instead and why are they so quick to impose such a hefty fine on
me? We are talking about 10-15 minutes of parking with my kids and
wife inside the car waiting for me.
Now I fear stopping my car anywhere for a short while for fear
of being monitored by a CCTV and a $100 fine.
Imagine if you were to wait for a friend inside the car while in
a HDB common property area, chances are you be asked to pay a $100
fine if there are hidden CCTV around. Beside such common compound
are a common sight in Singapore. Better tell your friends to meet
at multi-storey car park instead.
Our country is becoming like a police state. What a strange
country. Very soon, CCTV will be installed everywhere.
Good luck to all motorist here including myself.
Johnson Cheng