KUALA LUMPUR: The plan to introduce three contra-flow lanes in the city is the right move to ease traffic congestion during peak hours, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Alliance for Safe Community chairman said the plan was practical and appropriate towards easing massive traffic jams.
"I really hope that such a move will be implemented nationwide.
"During rush hour, we often see lighter traffic in the opposite lanes, thus creating a contra-flow lane will help divert vehicles in heavily used roads to the opposite lane," he said when contacted on Friday (June 16).
Lee said the authorities should ensure that clear indicators of the contra-flow lanes were installed and placement of enforcement officers to monitor smooth implementation.
He said with enforcement officers on the scene, action can be taken against errant road users.
While the morning period of 6am-9am for contra-flow lanes was suitable, Lee hoped the period of 5pm-7pm would be extended further to 8pm.
"The period of 5pm-7pm is too short for those going back home after work.
"Nowadays, we can still see heavy traffic even at 8pm, thus the hours should be extended to at least 8pm," he said.
It was reported that three contra-flow traffic lanes will be activated on roads in Kuala Lumpur beginning July 3 to ease peak-hour traffic congestion.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke had said the contra-flow lanes would be carried out from the Sungai Besi toll plaza to the Besraya Interchange; Jalan Maharajalela to Taman Connaught; and from Ampang Point to Jalan Tun Razak.
“The routes from the Sungai Besi toll plaza to the Besraya Interchange (2.4km) and along Jalan Maharajalela to Taman Connaught (4km) will be opened to public vehicles, except motorbikes,” he said.
A contra-flow lane will also be created along the route from Ampang Point to Jalan Tun Razak, he added.
“This 3km route, however, will only be accessible to public transport buses. Private vehicles that use this route can face action,” he said.
Loke said the contra-flow lanes – which will be activated from 6am to 9am and from 5pm to 7pm – will open on July 3 so as to allow stakeholders sufficient time to prepare.
“Guidelines will be drawn up by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) to ensure these measures can be carried out efficiently.
