Everything You Need to Know About HDB's Mobile Enforcement Vehicle

(Photo Credit: All Singapore Stuff)

You've probably heard about HDB's new mobile enforcement vehicle. They are here to catch cars parked in season parking reserved lots, and fine them the appropriate amount for their offences.

The future is here, and now “Robocops” patrol the streets to catch errand drivers.

Okay not really, they just patrol car parks and catch drivers who park in season parking reserved lots. You may have heard about them, but you’ve never seen one yourself. There’s not much information about these vehicles, let alone photographic proof. Until now. Behold, the Mobile Enforcement Vehicle (see above).

What Are They?

Called Mobile Enforcement Vehicles, or MEVs for short, they are contracted by HDB and operated by Certis Cisco. The first thing you'd probably notice is the big box with the surveillance camera-like bulges placed at the luggage compartment of the bike. It houses the entire MEV system, complete with integrated cameras to detect vehicle registration plates and lights.

Why Are They Here For?

To identify cars that are parked in season parking reserved lots. The car owners will be subsequently fined for their offences.

How Do They Do That?

The key to the MEV's power can be found within that box. Lights are aimed at vehicle registration plates to improve visibility for the cameras to scan. If you have the rights to park there, they'll move along, no questions asked. If your car is parked there illegally, then there's reason for you to be afraid.

The MEV system alerts the rider, who'll dismount the bike, conduct a second validation check on the vehicle, and issue a parking summon on the spot.

Where Do They Go?

They operated solely for HDB parking grounds such as open-air, basement and multi-story car parks. The routes and frequency are privy to the public, therefore, it's often impossible to predict their movement.

What's Wrong With Traffic Wardens?

Simply put, it saves manpower costs and improves productivity. With MEVs, the number of patrolling parking wardens will be lessened. The MEV is also able to patrol more car parks than parking wardens throughout the day.

Is There Anything Else They Can Do?

Although its primary purpose is to check for cars parked in season parking lots, the MEV rider is also licensed to do more than just that. If the rider detects any other parking infringement, he may just fine you too.

What if I Get Fined?

Say goodbye to anywhere between $50-$200. You could try appealing the fine. Read the following article to learn more.

Read more: Car Parks in Singapore with Free Parking (2018 Edition)

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