Lessons to learn from Singapore

For anyone who has visited Singapore, immediately you are struck by how incredibly clean the place is and how safe you feel.

You are fined for dropping litter and spitting out chewing gum. I believe that we have a similar law in this country. There is one difference though. All laws in Singapore are enforced. Whereas in this country, although a law, for example, requires cyclists to have a front and rear light when cycling during darkness, I cannot recall reading or hearing about any cyclist being charged with having no lights.

The reason why such a law is in place is for the personal safety of the cyclist as well as perhaps preventing the driver of a vehicle suffering incredible trauma because they have been involved in colliding with the cyclist during the hours of darkness.

Children are more likely to grow into law abiding adults if the so called ‘less serious’ violations, another being shop lifting were to be enforced. Singapore has made the wearing of face masks in public mandatory. The Singaporeans know that if they do not comply, then they will be fined. As a result Singapore has an incredibly low number of residents who have contracted Covid-19. Laws are generally well intentioned and for our protection. Just a thought. Have a Happy and Safe New Year. Graham Sutherland