Road signs in Singapore amber beacons, and are valid yet uncommon on the roads. The road markings and road dividers are "white zig zag lines" that indicate a zebra crossing in the vicinity, similar to the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland Zebra crossing rules. On approach, regardless of the absence of any pedestrians, all motorists are required to keep left of the divider, prepare to stop and stay in their respective lanes, i.e. no overtaking is permitted. When pedestrians are present at the side of a zebra crossing, all motorists are obligated to give priority to pedestrians crossing the zebra crossing bars, by
Balestier shophouses and selling their wares along the main road, turning Balestier Road into one of the busiest streets in Singapore. The rise in hawkers present in Balestier Road resulted in the sidewalks constructed for pedestrian being transformed into a makeshift market selling vegetables, fruits, cooked food and beverages. The hawkers and their customers spilled over onto the main road and created traffic obstructions, which caused motorists to drive on the opposite side of the road and increased the likelihood of accidents occurring. Residents even claimed that the hawkers were hostile when motorists asked them to shift their stalls. Hence, many