It has been talked about effectively previously, and it’s being talked about once more, the thought of introducing a car congestion cost to alleviate visitors congestion in Malaysia. Solely this time, there’s a particular trace of seriousness within the dialogue, what with a examine presently being carried out on it.
Extra apparently, the scope of software has additionally been elevated, as a result of the scheme is not only being proposed for the Klang Valley, the place it might positively be wanted, however George City in Penang and Johor Bahru as effectively, as The Star reviews.
In line with minister within the prime minister’s division (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa, these three areas have been recognized for an preliminary rollout of proposed congestion prices, ought to that develop into a actuality.
Within the meantime, she mentioned the subject was nonetheless being studied by the Malaysian Institute of Highway Security Analysis (MIROS) and the Malaysian Inexperienced Expertise and Local weather Change Company (MGTC), with features such because the implementation mechanism, potential discount in visitors quantity and projected uptake of public transport if the congestion cost is launched among the many parts being weighed.
Talking within the Dewan Rakyat, Zaliha mentioned the examine is anticipated to be accomplished by this yr. She added that the implementation of a congestion cost might cut back visitors quantity by as much as 20% in Kuala Lumpur, however a lot would rely upon how a lot motorists are charged. “The cost can’t be too low however ought to discourage motorists from utilizing sure roads. We additionally don’t need the cost to be too excessive, which may burden customers,” she mentioned.
She added that comparable measures used overseas are additionally being thought of, amongst them being New York’s digital licence plate reader system, the place prices are mechanically imposed as soon as a quantity plate is detected, Singapore’s digital highway pricing (ERP) mechanism the place prices are imposed by zone and time to regulate visitors stream and London’s congestion cost zones, the place automobiles are charged for coming into throughout peak hours.
She additionally talked about the highway area rationing measure adopted by Jakarta and Beijing, the place non-public car entry is restricted to odd and even numbers relying on the day.
Zaliha mentioned that round 1.5 million automobiles enter and exit Kuala Lumpur over a 24 hour interval, however public transport ridership within the capital was solely at 25% capability. Nonetheless, she agreed with transport minister Anthony Loke’s view that it might not be acceptable to impose a congestion cost with out first having an entire and built-in public transport system.
On that observe, will the subject stay mere speak? What do you consider the thought of imposing a car congestion cost in Kuala Lumpur? Share your ideas with us within the feedback part.
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