More orange boxes to be drawn to enhance safety on Penang Island

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) will increase the number of orange boxes drawn at traffic light junctions to ensure the safety of motorcyclists and cyclists.

MBPP infrastructure and traffic committee alternate chairman Tan Seng Keat said there were 19 such grids marked with motorcycle and bicycle symbols on the island, with most of them in George Town.

“The orange boxes are designed solely for those using motorbikes and bicycles.

“They can stop within the boxes while waiting for the lights to change to green.

“Meanwhile, car and lorry drivers are advised to give way and stop behind the riders at the junctions,” he said when contacted by StarMetro.

Introduced in 2020, the initiative was aimed at instilling awareness among motorcyclists to stop within the box and not encroach on pedestrian crossings.

Asked if it was an offence if motorcyclists or cyclists do not stop within the box at traffic light junctions, Tan said no.

“There is no by-law on this matter and we don’t intend to enact any,” he said.