Why is LTA enforcing footway obstructions on Circular Road but not elsewhere?

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LTA's Enforcement of Footway Obstructions Appears Inconsistent

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has issued notices to shop owners on Circular Road requiring the removal of tables and chairs from footways, citing dangers and inconvenience to pedestrians. However, similar obstructions by businesses and construction sites in other areas of Singapore are frequently observed without apparent enforcement action. This disparity raises questions about the LTA's application of regulations concerning public pathways.
Circular Road Businesses Issued Warnings for Obstructions

Shop owners on Circular Road have received warning letters from the LTA for placing tables and chairs on footways. The LTA's position is that these items impede pedestrian movement, forcing people to walk on the road itself, thereby creating hazards and inconvenience. This action is based on Section 32A of the Street Works Act, which prohibits the deposit of any article on public streets, five-footways, or private footways.
Widespread Obstructions Ignored in Other Areas

Despite the enforcement action on Circular Road, the LTA's approach appears to be selectively applied. Construction companies in the Central Business District, along streets like Cecil Street, Robinson Road, and Shenton Way, frequently obstruct or reroute pedestrian walkways. Furthermore, businesses on popular thoroughfares such as Serangoon Road and Geylang Road commonly display merchandise, tables, and chairs on their footways, a practice that has persisted for years without intervention.
History of Sporadic Enforcement of Footway Rules

While Section 32A of the Street Works Act was introduced in August 2003 with a request for compliance from contractors and developers, enforcement has historically been sporadic. For instance, in 2011, the LTA issued 31 notices to coffee shop operators in Geylang specifically for obstructing footways with chairs and tables. This suggests a long-standing pattern where authorities have, to some extent, tolerated or accepted the use of footways for various commercial and operational purposes.
Questions of Fairness and Consistent Application

The perceived unevenness in enforcement, where Circular Road businesses are targeted while similar situations elsewhere are overlooked, prompts concerns about fairness. The article notes that if the law is to be enforced, it should ideally be applied equally across all locations. It also suggests that focusing on Section 28 of the Road Traffic Act, which specifically addresses vehicles on footways, might be a more pressing safety concern, as motorcycles and scooters could pose a greater danger to pedestrians than outdoor furniture.

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Why is LTA enforcing footway obstructions on Circular Road but not elsewhere?

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