Despite measures such as double yellow lines along Tanjong Pagar Road, cars and vans are often seen parked illegally there — especially near the junction with Cook Street (pictured) — while drivers run errands at nearby shops.

This is also near the site of a high-profile accident in February that left five people dead and one woman with bad burns.

After the crash, the Traffic Police said that they would explore further enforcement operations nearby as well as measures to slow traffic, such as speed-regulating strips and road humps.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA), Urban Redevelopment Authority and the Traffic Police should do something about the traffic congestion along this narrow two-way thoroughfare.

On any given day, it is common to see motorists coming within a hair’s breadth of causing an accident along this stretch of road.

At times, a head-on collision is imminent unless vehicles on one side stop for those on the other side to pass.

Heavy vehicles and buses moving in opposite directions have to jostle for space and it would not take much to spark an accident.

Years ago, I told LTA that road safety is critical in this area and a delay in taking action could have consequences.

LTA replied to say that site studies would be done to look into measures to improve the situation, subject to site feasibility.

I have not heard back from LTA since.

LTA could consider erecting a concrete or flexible divider along this stretch of road, installing closed-circuit television cameras and converting the double yellow lines to zig-zag lines to deter illegal parking and improve safety.

It is the prerogative of LTA and the Traffic Police to set conditions and standards to maintain Singapore’s reputation of being a safe city for everyone.

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