‘They are just earning an honest living’: Residents divided on delivery rider allegedly parking next to lift to deliver customer’s food

SINGAPORE: Residents had a mixed response to a post complaining about how a food delivery rider allegedly parked his motorbike by a lift so that he could bring food to a customer. While some called for action to be taken on such incidents, others didn’t see a problem with it, arguing that the rider was merely doing his job.

“On the way to the park, I saw a (delivery rider) park next to the lift to deliver piping hot food to a valued customer,” wrote online user Jack Lim. “After that, the rider rode off.” He then took a consensus, asking people for their two cents on the matter. “Yes or no? Is one rider okay or (do we) allow every motorcycle rider to do it?”

There was a mixed response to the post. Some found fault with the delivery rider for parking on the pavement. “It’s not okay at all,” said one. “It’s so irresponsible to escape unauthorised parking fines at the roadside, take the gamble, and shift the danger along walkways where his burning exhaust might burn some kiddos.”

“By the ruling, they are not supposed to park on the pavement. There is a fine for it, but not sure if (there are) demerit points,” said another. “For bikes, it’s easier to find parking, and you can still park at the loading bay. If they get fined, what the rider earns from that one delivery is not even enough to pay for the fine.”

However, a handful of commenters defended the rider. “If he wasn’t parking at the side and not blocking the walkway…what’s the problem?” wrote one. “They are just earning an honest living.”

“What’s the issue?” asked another. “As long as he’s not parked there the whole day.”

Still, one had a different suggestion, saying, “I strongly recommend the town council issue wheel clamps to residents once they see such irresponsible actions…just allow residents to use their clamps to clamp down the vehicle and you should impose a fine of $200 to the rider and the town council and residents each get $100.”

On its page on Parking Rules and Penalties, the Housing & Development Board (HDB) lists different fines for motorists who do not abide by the parking rules. According to the page, “HDB may impose a different fine amount or take legal action based on the specific circumstances of the case.”

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