A food delivery driver has sparked discussion online after revealing he was charged S$218 to remove a wheel clamp from his vehicle after parking for less than five minutes while delivering food at a condominium in Bishan.
The driver shared his experience in a social media post, saying the incident happened at Sky Vue Condominium after he parked in a resident’s parking lot to complete a delivery. He acknowledged that he had breached the condominium’s parking rules and accepted responsibility for the mistake.
However, he questioned whether there should be greater discretion for genuine delivery drivers making brief stops, particularly for first-time offenders.
Vehicle Wheel-Clamped Within Minutes
According to the driver, he was away from his vehicle for less than five minutes before returning to find it wheel-clamped.
He said he immediately apologised to the condominium’s security officers and management office, explaining that he was making a quick food delivery and asking if any flexibility could be exercised.
Despite his appeal, he was informed that he would need to pay S$218 before the clamp could be removed.
The driver added that it was his first time delivering to the condominium and that he had never previously parked there or received any warning.
Says Fee Equals Several Days’ Worth Of Income
The driver explained that he works as a gig delivery rider, typically earning between S$50 and S$100 a day before deducting operating expenses such as fuel, parking fees, vehicle maintenance and insurance.
On the day of the incident, he said he completed seven deliveries and earned approximately S$56 before expenses, making the unclamping fee equivalent to several days of income.
Rather than simply venting online, he said he submitted a formal appeal to the condominium’s Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST), contacted the resident who had placed the food order and also sought assistance from his Member of Parliament.
According to the driver, the MCST replied that neither the management office nor the management council had the authority to waive or refund the fee. He was told the only possible avenue would be for a unit owner to submit a private resolution for voting at the condominium’s Annual General Meeting.
Calls For Better Solutions For Delivery Drivers
While accepting responsibility for parking in a resident’s lot, the driver said he hopes the incident will encourage discussion about whether enforcement can be balanced with compassion.
He suggested that greater discretion could be considered in situations where:
- The stop was for a genuine food delivery.
- The driver was away for only a few minutes.
- It was a first-time offence.
- No resident appeared to have been inconvenienced.
He also proposed that more private condominiums provide designated short-term loading and unloading bays closer to their lobbies, similar to facilities commonly found at HDB estates.
According to the driver, having to park at distant basement levels or upper floors increases walking distances, delivery times and operating costs for gig workers who may complete between 10 and 20 deliveries each day.
Netizens Divided Over The Incident
The case has generated mixed reactions online.
Some social media users sympathised with the driver, arguing that the unclamping fee was excessive given the short duration of the stop and the essential service delivery riders provide.
Others felt the condominium was simply enforcing its rules, noting that resident parking lots are private property and drivers should use designated visitor or loading bays, even if it means walking a longer distance.
While the driver said he has learned an expensive lesson, he hopes the discussion will lead to better arrangements between private condominiums and delivery personnel as Singapore continues to rely heavily on food and parcel delivery services.