By Daryll Nanayakara

Carparks with entry and exit points that are reversed - with entrance lanes on the right instead of the left, and exit lanes on the left instead of the right- may confuse some motorists.

But builders told my paper that motorists safety and convenience was what they had in mind when they switched the direction of the entry lanes.

my paper readers wrote in last week to point out that due to the reversed directions, a conflict in movement which can be dangerous can arise when two cars enter and exit these carparks at the same time.

Readers pointed out two carparks in the Orchard Road area and one linked to Elias Mall in Pasir Ris.

When contacted, the Housing Board (HDB), which owns the carpark leading to Elias Mall, said that safety factors had been considered.

It added that the CashCard and intercom machines had to be placed at the side of the road instead of the centre other similar HDB carparks have these machines at the centre divider due to space constraints when the carpark was built in 1995.

The lanes were switched so that it would be easier for motorists to use the machines.

Last week, this reporter stood near the entrance of the carpark and observed that several motorists hesitated and were slightly confused while turning into the premises.

This despite two signs situated along the road warning motorists of the reversed direction.

Businessman Benjamin Lek, 42, said: 'It is an unusual method of constructing the gantry to the carpark.Most drivers are used to entering on the left'

However, according to the Land Transport Authority, a switch in direction is okay as long as it is justifiable

It is also important that motorists safety is not compromised.

And safety concerns were what the developer of Tanglin Shopping Centre's carpark took into consideration in the 1970s.

City Development Limited, the carpark's developer, said: 'As Tanglin Road is a one-way street, for safety reasons, motorists would have to enter the basement carpark on the right lane and exit from the left lane.'

But the company added that the operator of the carpark, Wilson Parking, will explore drawing directional arrows to guide motorists who use the carpark.

Elias Mall in Pasir Ris

For more my paper stories click here.