A 33-year-old man was taken into custody after he was discovered asleep behind the wheel of a car along a busy stretch of Bencoolen Street, close to Sim Lim Square in central Singapore.
The incident unfolded on the morning of March 2, when members of the public noticed a blue GetGo vehicle stationary on the road near Burlington Square. The car, which appeared to be idling in the middle of traffic flow, quickly drew attention given the high volume of vehicles and pedestrians typically seen in the area.
Images circulating online showed police officers surrounding a man in a red shirt. He was subsequently searched and placed under arrest at the scene.
Police Respond To Morning Call Along Bencoolen Street
In response to media queries, the Singapore Police Force confirmed that they received a call for assistance at about 10:10am. Officers were dispatched to Bencoolen Street, a location known for its mix of retail shops, offices and heavy weekday traffic.
Upon arrival, officers found the 33-year-old man asleep in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. After conducting preliminary checks, he was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
Bencoolen Street, situated near landmarks such as Sim Lim Square and several tertiary institutions, is typically bustling during both peak and off-peak hours. An unattended vehicle in such a location could have posed significant road safety risks, particularly during late morning traffic.
Drink-Driving Offences Carry Serious Penalties In Singapore
Under Singapore law, drink-driving is treated as a serious traffic offence. Motorists found guilty may face hefty fines, disqualification from driving, or even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the case and whether it is a repeat offence. For individuals who rely on their vehicles for work, such as private-hire or car-sharing users, a conviction can also affect future employment prospects and insurance premiums.
Car-sharing services like GetGo have grown increasingly popular in Singapore as an alternative to car ownership, especially amid rising Certificate of Entitlement (COE) prices and high car insurance costs. However, users remain fully responsible for complying with road traffic regulations while operating rented vehicles.
The police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing. Authorities have consistently urged motorists to refrain from driving after consuming alcohol and to arrange alternative transport such as taxis or private-hire services. Road safety experts have also emphasised that even short distances driven under the influence can result in devastating consequences, both financially and legally.
This latest case serves as a reminder that enforcement efforts remain active across Singapore’s road network, particularly in busy city areas where any lapse in judgement can endanger other road users.