Private property residents curb illegal parking on own efforts

Since last November, the residents in Clementi have put up warning signs and even began to wheel clamp illegally parked vehicles at their property.

The situation was highlighted on citizen journalism portal STOMP last Sunday, when an annoyed motorist complained of having to pay $500 to remove the wheel clamp on his car. The home owners defended their actions with The Straits Times, and claimed to have rights - as the road that runs in front of the eight terrace houses is private property.

Additionally, the local paper reported that the property owners believe most of the illegally parked vehicles belong to customers visiting nearby eateries, some of which operate till the wee hours of the morning.

31-year old programmer, Mrs Tay, who has lived there for the past two years, told the local paper that vehicles are given up to 15 minutes of allowance to 'park'. "But we can't compromise any more. Enough is enough," said Mrs Tay. She also added that vehicle owners had provided 'all sorts of excuses' for illegally parking while some had even challenged her to a fight.

Four vehicles have been clamped thus far, and the $2,000 release fees collected are utilised for paying for the signboards and road maintenance.