Over 5,000 turn up at Joo Chiat Road on Oct 3 as it closes to traffic to mark World Car-Free Day

SINGAPORE — Crowds descended on a half-kilometre car-free stretch of the heritage area at Joo Chiat Road on Oct 3 to mark World Car-Free Day.From 3.30pm to 9.30pm, the area between Dunman Road and East Coast Road was temporarily closed to traffic, as an endless stream of tourists and locals contributed to a carnival atmosphere as they forgot about the haze.Over 5,000 people turned up, some with their children or bicycles in tow, checking out offerings from around 90 merchants who set up shop along the road.This was the first time an area outside the Central Business District (CBD) was off-limits to cars and other vehicles to mark World Car-Free Day, an annual event which encourages people across the globe to explore more sustainable ways of commuting.Minister of State for Transport, and Culture, Community and Youth Baey Yam Keng mingled with the crowd and said walking and cycling allowed people to discover familiar and new neighbourhoods.He said: "We hope that people will also explore different parts of Singapore."