QUEUE-JUMPING IN PUBLIC PARKING PLACES

Dr Lau Teik Soon asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether he will consider introducing or amending legislation to make the act of queue-jumping at public parking places a criminal act and a punishable offence.

The Minister for Home Affairs (Mr Wong Kan Seng): Sir, queue-jumping at public places which causes danger to other road-users is already a criminal act and a punishable offence. Depending on the situation, action can be taken against a motorist under the Road Traffic Act for reckless, dangerous or inconsiderate driving or under the Road Traffic Rules for careless driving. If convicted, the offender can be jailed for up to six months or fined up to $1,000 for the first offence. There is no need to amend these legislation or rules as the existing penalties are adequate.

Other forms of queue-jumping such as those which do not cause danger to other road-users are essentially discourteous rather than criminal acts. Police does not see any need to criminalise such acts.