A new pitch control
They must apply beforehand at AXS machines forpermits, even for weekends
Leong Wee Keat, Today Online 26 Mar 09;
CAMPING has become so popular that permits now have to be applied for on weekends as well, with a quota imposed on the number being given out.
From April 15, campers at five parks — Changi, East Coast, Pasir Ris, Sembawang and West Coast — need to get permits at AXS machines before they can pitch their tents. Permits will be needed for weekdays and weekends.
Currently, permits are required only on weekdays, issued manually by rangers who scan identity cards and then print them. There are 10 rangers who work across the five locations.
But National Parks Board (NParks) director Kong Yit San said this has “become increasingly challenging with the growing popularity of camping”.
Last year, more than 12,000 campers used the parks.
“Furthermore, campers often have to jostle for space ... especially on weekends, public holidays and school holidays,” said Mr Kong.
Mr Mohammed Khalid, who heads to East Coast Park with his family during holidays, welcomed the new system.
“The park gets really crowded and (this) spoils the atmosphere. The new system will, hopefully, help monitor whether there are too many campers,” said the39-year-old store assistant.
The number of permits issued is dependent on the size of the camping area at each park. For example, the quota for East Coast Park is 100 on weekdays and 200 for weekends.
Permits were introduced in November 2005 to further prevent people from living at the parks in tents for months or even years. At that time, 70 “overstayers” were asked to leave during a two-month period.
NParks said the new registration system, via the AXS machines, would provide an easy, one-stop centralised platform for the board to better manage campingactivities.
Changes will also be made regarding the permit’s use.
From April 15, the permit will be valid for a day and each camper can apply for a maximum of eight days per month. Currently, the same identity card cannot be used to register for more than one permit a day, and for more than five consecutive days.
NParks said that as the use of AXSmachines to book NParks’ barbeque pits has “proven very popular”, campers would findthe system equally accessible and easy to use.
Any of the 500 AXS machines island-wide can be used. Online applications are also allowed, but campers must do so at least a day in advance. Because of the downturn, the $1 administrative fee of using an AXS machine will be waived.
NParks introduces new permit system to cater to growing popularity of camping
NParks website 25 Mar 09
National Parks Board (NParks) will be introducing a new camping permit system to cater to the growing popularity of camping as a recreational activity particularly at coastal parks.
From 15 April 2009, campers will be able to apply for permits via AXS to camp at any of the five parks where camping is permitted[1] - Changi Beach Park (between Carpark 1 and Carpark 4; between Carpark 6 and Carpark 7), East Coast Park (Area D and Area G), Pasir Ris Park (Area 1 and 3), Sembawang Park (Area A), and West Coast Park (Area 3). Camping permits will be required on weekdays and weekends, including public holidays and school holidays. A permit is valid for one day. Each camper will be able to apply for a maximum of 8 days per month.
On this latest move, Mr Kong Yit San, Director, Parks, explained, "Camping permits are currently required only on weekdays and are issued manually by rangers who approach campers, scan their identity cards, and print out a permit. This, however, has become increasingly challenging with the growing popularity of camping. Furthermore, campers often have to jostle for space to pitch their tents, especially on weekends, public holidays and school holidays."
"We recognise that camping is a popular and affordable activity for many people. The new system will enable NParks to better manage camping activities to enhance the recreational experience of campers without inconveniencing other park users. The use of AXS to book BBQ pits has proven very popular and we believe that campers would find this system equally accessible and easy to use."
Those who wish to apply for camping permits can do so conveniently from any of the 500 over AXS machines island-wide. AXS machines are also located in Changi Beach Park (i-kiosk near Carpark 1), East Coast Park (Area C3), Pasir Ris Park (Carpark E), Sembawang Park (Carpark 1), and West Coast Park (McDonald's restaurant in Area 3). Campers can also apply online via www.axs.com.sg (at least one day in advance). In view of the current economic downturn, NParks will cover the cost of transaction over AXS by absorbing the administrative fee of $1 per permit per day.
[1] Apart from the parks mentioned above, camping is also allowed at Jelutong, Noordin and Mamam Beaches at Pulau Ubin. Permits are not required to camp at these sites. However, campers are advised to inform the officers at the Pulau Ubin Police Post on the day that they are camping for safety reasons.
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