SINGAPORE: A fallen bollard at a bus stop has raised concerns among Facebook users, with many questioning its installation and effectiveness in ensuring commuter safety.
A post on the ROADS.sg Facebook page last Sunday (9 Feb) showed an image of the fallen bollard, which appeared to be inadequately secured.
The photo suggested that it was not embedded deep enough into the ground, raising doubts about its ability to provide real protection.
The post criticised the installation, arguing that if the bollard was merely decorative rather than functional, it would be a waste of public funds and create a false sense of security.
“What’s the purpose of the bollard if it is installed only for decoration and not protection? It is a waste of public funds and offers a false sense of security,” the post stated.
It further emphasised that bollards should be buried at least 15 inches deep to effectively stop a vehicle from ploughing into commuters waiting at the bus stop.
LTA Guidelines on Bollards
According to a publication by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), the bollard is installed on a foundation embedded more than 0.5 metres into the ground.
For bus stops with shallow grounds, such as those with drainage systems underneath, the concrete ground slab is thickened to accommodate the bollards.
An engineer at RSEU explained that these safety bollards are designed to absorb the impact of vehicles crashing into bus stops.
The first bollard is meant to fall upon high impact, while the second is intended to halt the vehicle’s advance.
This design helps to distribute energy more evenly and reduces the risk of severe injury to vehicle occupants.
Bollards Should Not Be Easily Dislodged, Say Netizens
The post garnered over 700 comments, with many users agreeing that the bollard was not buried deep enough.
Some questioned whether the installation adhered to proper safety standards, while others speculated that cost-cutting measures may have compromised its effectiveness.
One user commented that bollards should be able to withstand impact and not be easily dislodged, while another raised concerns that a loose bollard could become a dangerous projectile if struck with enough force.
A commenter noted that bollard installations must follow LTA guidelines, but based on the photos, this installation did not appear to meet the correct procedure.
They argued that proper inspections should have been done before and after the bollard was put in place.
Another user criticised the execution of road safety features, stating that while the concept was well-intended, the lack of physical or technical road safety testing before installation rendered it ineffective.
One user shared a personal experience of an accident in Thailand, where a properly installed bollard stopped their car, causing it to flip but ultimately saving their lives.
They warned that if the Singapore bollard had been similarly shallow, they might not have survived.
“Bollards need to be deeper into the ground to stop vehicles, not so shallow that they fly off easily,” they wrote.
Another commenter speculated that the welding of the bollard was too weak, suggesting that while the design should allow for controlled collapse upon impact, the current installation was not secure enough.
Allegations of Cost-Cutting and Poor Oversight
Many users questioned whether the contractor had cut corners and whether LTA had failed to properly supervise the installation.
One commenter blamed a lack of accountability, stating that workers appeared to be on “auto-pilot” with no real oversight.
Another criticised both contractors and inspectors, stating that their failure to ensure proper installation meant the bollard was not protecting the public.
They urged LTA not to wait until a serious accident occurred before taking action.
Some were convinced that shortcuts had been taken. “This one for sure contractor cut corners, and LTA inspector blindly approved it,” one user wrote.
Another pointed out that the issue was not with bollards in general but with improper installation, stating, “Bollards are not designed this way.”
One user commented that bollard installations today are of much poorer quality compared to the past.
They suggested that LTA may have awarded the contract to the lowest bidder without ensuring proper installation methods.
“They should have proper specifications and details in the tender because bollards are meant to protect commuters waiting at bus shelters,” the user added.
Another questioned whether the bollard was securely anchored to prevent vehicles from reaching pedestrians, even speculating that authorities may not have used the required materials for safety.
Calls for Investigation and Action
One commenter strongly agreed with the many criticisms about the bollards, stating that they should be constructed with better planning.
They called on the authorities to investigate any potential breach of contract and take necessary action to upgrade all substandard bollards.
Another sarcastically predicted that authorities would soon announce a redesign and reinforcement of all bollards “for commuter safety”—but that transport fares would increase to cover the cost.
“Whatever decision is made, it’s always the public that has to bear the cost,” they added.
The post Fallen bollard at Singapore bus stop sparks public safety concerns appeared first on The Online Citizen.
