**Chinese New Year Bazaar in Chinatown: Crowd Safety Measures and Traffic Arrangements**
Singaporeans gearing up to celebrate Chinese New Year with a visit to the bustling Chinatown Street Bazaar are being advised to stay informed about crowd levels before venturing out. The police have announced that the Crowd@Chinatown map will be available online to provide real-time updates on crowd situations and area closures from Jan 24 to Jan 26, as well as on the eve of Chinese New Year on Jan 28.
**Crowd Safety Measures**
With the bazaar running from Jan 8 to Jan 28, authorities are anticipating large crowds in the area. To ensure the safety of visitors, police, auxiliary, and security officers will be on hand to manage the crowds. The Chinatown MRT station, situated on both the North-East Line and Downtown Line, is expected to be particularly busy. As an alternative, commuters are encouraged to consider using Maxwell MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line.
The police have emphasized the importance of crowd safety, warning the public to avoid congested areas marked in red on the Crowd@Chinatown map. In the event that crowd safety thresholds are exceeded, specific areas may be locked down, and visitors will be redirected. The public is urged to cooperate with officers and security personnel and follow their instructions at all times.
**Traffic Arrangements**
To accommodate the festivities, Temple Street will be closed to vehicular traffic during specific periods:
– Weekdays (Mondays to Thursdays): 4pm to 11pm
– Weekends (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays): 2pm to 11.59pm
– Jan 28, 2025 (Chinese New Year’s Eve): 2pm to 1.30am
During these road closure periods, only authorized vehicles such as police and emergency vehicles will be allowed access. Strict parking restrictions will be enforced, with illegal parkers facing the risk of having their vehicles towed. Auxiliary police officers will be present to guide motorists and ensure compliance with the regulations.
**Stay Informed and Vigilant**
In addition to crowd safety measures and traffic arrangements, the police are urging the public to remain vigilant and take necessary crime prevention measures. Individuals who notice any suspicious persons or activities are encouraged to report them to the Internal Security Department or the police. Reporting can be done through SMS, online submissions, or the SGSecure App available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
By staying informed, cooperating with authorities, and remaining vigilant, visitors can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at the Chinese New Year Bazaar in Chinatown.
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Adding a personal touch to this article, imagine you are eagerly anticipating the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations in Singapore. You have fond memories of exploring the vibrant Chinatown Street Bazaar with your family, sampling festive treats, and admiring the colorful decorations. However, as the crowds can sometimes be overwhelming, you appreciate the initiative taken by the police to provide real-time crowd updates and ensure everyone’s safety. This year, you plan to download the SGSecure App to stay informed and contribute to a secure environment for all visitors. By taking proactive steps and following the guidelines, you can enjoy the festive spirit of Chinese New Year while prioritizing safety and community well-being.