Large crowds are expected in the Orchard Road area on Christmas Eve. - Photo: ST
SINGAPORE: People planning to go to Orchard Road on Christmas Eve should be prepared for big crowds and heightened security measures.
Some roads in the area will also be closed.
From Wednesday (Dec 24) evening, police officers, auxiliary police officers and security officers will be deployed to manage crowds in the Orchard Road area, said the police on Monday (Dec 22).
Crowd control barricades and directional signs will be put up to facilitate safe and orderly crowd flow.
The Great Christmas Eve Street Party takes place in Orchard Road from the Paterson Road junction (Ion Orchard) to the Bideford Road junction (Ngee Ann City) from 8pm on Dec 24 to 12.15am on Dec 25.
The following roads will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 6pm on Dec 24 to 2am on Dec 25:
- Orchard Road (between Scotts Road and Bideford Road);
- Slip road leading from Scotts Road into Orchard Road;
- The carriageway of Mount Elizabeth in the direction of Orchard Road (between Nutmeg Road and Orchard Road).
People heading to Mount Elizabeth Hospital can use the alternative route from Bideford Road into Mount Elizabeth Link.
During the closures, access will be granted only to authorised vehicles, as well as police and emergency vehicles.
Auxiliary police officers will be stationed at all affected road junctions to regulate traffic and assist motorists.
Advisory signs will also be put up near the affected roads. Motorists are encouraged to tune in to the radio for the latest traffic updates.
During the road closures, 18 bus services will skip three stops along Orchard Road and Paterson Road from 6pm until the end of bus operations.
The bus services are: 7, 14, 16, 36, 65, 77, 106, 111, 123, 124, 143, 167, 174, 175, 190, 502, 518, 972/972M. The buses will skip the stops at Orchard Station/Tang Plaza, Orchard Station/Lucky Plaza and opposite Orchard Station Exit 12.
Officers from Tanglin Police Division, including the Emergency Response Team, Protective Security Command, Transport Security Command and the Special Operations Command, will conduct enhanced patrols to ensure the safety and security of the public.
During this time, security personnel may conduct checks on bags and personal items, and members of the public are advised to cooperate with them.
Orchard MRT station is expected to be crowded, so certain entrances and exits may be closed to regulate crowd flow if required, said the police. Members of the public are advised to use Somerset MRT station to minimise waiting time, or use other public transport options.
Members of the public are encouraged to check the Crowd@OrchardRoad map at go.gov.sg/crowd-at-orchard-road to view real-time crowd levels and area closures before proceeding to Orchard Road for the Christmas Eve festivities.
Users can access this platform via their mobile devices from 5pm on Dec 24.
The police advise members of the public to adopt the following crime prevention measures:
- Look after belongings at all times;
- Be cautious when closely approached by strangers;
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing excessive jewellery;
- Ensure bags are slung in front and closed at all times;
- Avoid placing wallets in back pockets;
- Avoid contact or confrontation with unruly crowds.
People should also comply with instructions from officers and security personnel, and approach any police officer or dial 999 for urgent assistance.
The public is also reminded to be considerate and avoid engaging in activities and/or the use of party novelty items, including aerosol foam sprays, that may annoy or compromise the safety of others.
The police also urge everyone to remain vigilant and play their part in the fight against crime and terrorism.
Anyone with information on suspicious persons or activities can contact the Internal Security Department on 1800-2626-473.
The public can also submit the information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness, or report it via the SGSecure mobile application. - The Straits Times/ANN
