Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on SCDF's Emergency Response Plans for Kovan/Hillside/Rosyth and Serangoon Gardens by Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs

Question

Ms Sylvia Lim : To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs for the estates of Kovan/Hillside/Rosyth clusters and Serangoon Gardens where there are many narrow roads and kerbside parking of vehicles is allowed (a) whether SCDF has detailed plans to ensure that SCDF personnel have physical access and egress to and from residences for emergency response in these areas; and (b) if so, what are the details of these plans.

Answer:

1. The Kovan/Hillside/Rosyth clusters and Serangoon Gardens comprise mainly of low-density landed residential estates which have narrow roads. The SCDF Division which provides emergency services for these estates conducts regular ground surveys to familiarise their responders with the specific operational challenges of the area. The operational challenges include difficulties in emergency vehicle access because of the narrow roads, which are exacerbated by the incidence of illegal kerbside parking.

2. When the SCDF comes across in their ground surveys such areas with illegal parking that may hinder its emergency vehicle access, they will notify the LTA to conduct regular enforcement action against the illegally-parked vehicles. Errant vehicle owners may be fined or awarded demerit points to deter recurrent offences.

3. To address the terrain challenges of residential estates such as the Kovan/Hillside/Rosyth clusters and Serangoon Gardens, the SCDF would also dispatch their fleet of smaller, more maneuverable emergency vehicles such as the Light Fire Attack Vehicle, Class 3 Emergency Ambulances and Fire Bikes together with the larger fire engines when responding to emergencies in such neighbourhoods. This will enable the SCDF to effectively access the narrower roads without undue delay.