A Singapore man was captured on video forcing open an exit barrier at Parklane Shopping Mall to allow a car to leave the car park late at night, sparking online discussion about car park security and enforcement in private developments.
The incident reportedly took place shortly after 9.30pm at the shopping mall’s vehicle exit. Footage of the encounter, which later surfaced online, shows a luxury car waiting at the exit gantry while the barrier remains lowered. Moments later, a man is seen approaching the gantry and physically pushing the barrier upwards.
The video suggests that the action was deliberate rather than accidental. The man appeared familiar with the barrier mechanism and exerted enough force to lift it manually, allowing the car to drive through without the gantry being properly activated.
After barrier is forced open, man boards the car
Once the vehicle passed through the exit, the man was seen walking towards the car and opening the front passenger door before getting in. This has led to speculation that he may have been travelling with the driver, although the exact relationship between the individuals involved remains unclear.
It is also not known why the barrier did not open as intended, or whether the driver had attempted to pay for parking before reaching the exit. There has been no confirmation on whether the gantry malfunctioned, whether a payment issue occurred, or whether the incident was an attempt to bypass parking charges.
No other vehicles were seen attempting similar actions in the footage. It is therefore unclear if other drivers were affected by the situation or if this was an isolated incident involving a single car.
Mall management yet to clarify circumstances
Parklane Shopping Mall management has been contacted for clarification, but at the time of writing, no official response has been released. As a privately managed car park, enforcement procedures and penalties for unauthorised barrier tampering would typically fall under the mall’s internal regulations, potentially alongside police involvement if damage or illegal activity is suspected.
Forcing open a car park barrier can result in damage to property and may lead to costly repairs. In Singapore, such actions could also raise legal concerns if they are deemed to involve mischief, trespass, or intentional damage to infrastructure.
The incident has drawn attention online, with netizens debating whether the act was driven by frustration, urgency, or an attempt to avoid parking fees. Some commenters questioned why the driver did not seek assistance from mall security, while others pointed out that many modern car parks are equipped with intercoms or support systems for payment issues.
Growing focus on car park security and enforcement
As Singapore continues to see increased vehicle ownership costs and stricter parking enforcement, incidents involving car park barriers and gantries have become more visible on social media. Shopping malls and commercial buildings are increasingly investing in automated parking systems, CCTV surveillance and smart access controls to prevent misuse.
From a security perspective, unauthorised tampering with exit barriers poses safety risks, particularly if barriers snap back or malfunction after being forced. It also raises concerns about accountability, as such actions can undermine the integrity of automated parking systems.
While the full circumstances behind the Parklane Shopping Mall incident remain unclear, the footage has served as a reminder that disputes or issues at car parks should be resolved through proper channels. Mall operators and drivers alike are encouraged to rely on official assistance rather than taking matters into their own hands.
Whether any follow-up action will be taken against the individuals involved has not been disclosed, but the incident continues to circulate online as a cautionary example of how a moment of impatience can quickly become a public talking point.