It has been talked about effectively up to now, and it’s being talked about once more, the thought of introducing a automobile congestion cost to alleviate visitors congestion in Malaysia. Solely this time, there’s a particular trace of seriousness within the dialogue, what with a research presently being carried out on it.
Extra curiously, the scope of utility has additionally been elevated, as a result of the scheme is not only being proposed for the Klang Valley, the place it could undoubtedly be wanted, however George City in Penang and Johor Bahru as effectively, as The Star reviews.
In accordance 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 grow to be a actuality.
Within the meantime, she stated the subject was nonetheless being studied by the Malaysian Institute of Street Security Analysis (MIROS) and the Malaysian Inexperienced Know-how and Local weather Change Company (MGTC), with elements 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 components being weighed.
Talking within the Dewan Rakyat, Zaliha stated the research is anticipated to be accomplished by this 12 months. She added that the implementation of a congestion cost might scale 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 are not looking for the cost to be too excessive, which may burden shoppers,” she stated.
She added that related measures used overseas are additionally being thought of, amongst them being New York’s digital licence plate reader system, the place prices are routinely 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 circulate and London’s congestion cost zones, the place autos 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 automobile entry is proscribed to odd and even numbers relying on the day.
Zaliha stated that round 1.5 million autos 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 could not be acceptable to impose a congestion cost with out first having a whole and built-in public transport system.
On that notice, will the subject stay mere discuss? What do you concentrate on the thought of imposing a automobile congestion cost in Kuala Lumpur? Share your ideas with us within the feedback part.
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