The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) is contemplating the implementation of a two-hour parking limit in selected commercial areas of George Town as part of a broader strategy to alleviate the worsening traffic congestion on the island. This measure is intended to be a trial run, and if it proves effective, it may become a permanent regulation.
According to MBPP President and Lord Mayor Datuk Anthony Rajendran, the island requires a multi-pronged approach to address the daily traffic bottlenecks. One of the key measures involves limiting parking times at council parking lots to two hours in certain commercial localities. Vehicle owners who park beyond this duration will be fined. Additionally, heavy vehicles will no longer be permitted to load or unload during peak periods.
To further enhance traffic management, the MBPP plans to install two smart traffic lights by July, one along the Tanjong Tokong-Tanjung Bungah stretch and another near the Bayan Baru roundabout area. These smart traffic lights are expected to disperse traffic more effectively, reducing long waiting times at traffic lights.
Boosting public transportation is another critical component of the strategy. Despite the ongoing construction of new infrastructure, including the proposed Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, there is an immediate need to fine-tune traffic regulations. The MBPP is working closely with Rapid Penang to encourage more commuters to use public transport. Notably, public transport in Penang is mostly free for Malaysian commuters, and the council is promoting the use of these services to reduce congestion in town.
State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee Chairman Zairil Khir Johari has also highlighted the state government’s efforts to address traffic congestion. These include increasing the number of buses operated by Rapid Penang and providing free unlimited travel for daily commuters through the My50 Mutiara pass. The Central Area Transit (CAT) service in George Town and the Congestion Alleviation Transport (CAT) Bridge bus service are other initiatives aimed at creating an efficient transport system and encouraging the use of public transport.
The current traffic situation in Penang is further complicated by several major transportation projects underway, which are causing temporary but significant traffic disruptions. Projects such as the Air Itam to Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway bypass, the Penang International Airport expansion, the Mutiara Line LRT, and the Penang Hill cable car project are all contributing to increased congestion. While these projects are expected to alleviate traffic woes in the long run, they are currently causing substantial inconvenience to motorists.
Zairil Khir Johari has appealed for public cooperation and patience during this period, emphasizing that each project has a detailed traffic management plan to reduce the impact of construction work on motorists. He acknowledged that while there will be short-term inconveniences, the public infrastructure being constructed will eventually solve the traffic problems.
The Penang Island City Council and the state government are taking a comprehensive approach to tackle traffic congestion, including parking limits, smart traffic lights, and enhanced public transportation, while also managing the temporary disruptions caused by ongoing infrastructure projects.
Sources:
- Penang Island city council considering two-hour parking limit to ease worsening traffic congestion
- Penang always striving to find solutions to traffic congestion, says state exco
- Limiting parking hours among considerations to ease congestions in Penang
- Penang considering two-hour parking limit to help ease congestion
