JPJ: Emergency lane abusers will be charged

JOHOR BARU: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has recorded 91 vehicles that blocked the way of an ambulance along an emergency lane heading to an accident scene along the North South Expressway near Ayer Keroh recently.

Out of the 91 vehicles caught using the emergency lane, seven have been identified and notices issued to owners to assist in investigations of on the incident which occurred on May 22.

JPJ Enforcement Division chief Datuk V. Valluvan said that a video recording clearly showed the seven cars were clearly obstructing the way of the ambulance, which was rushing to an accident scene at KM228 near Ayer Keroh.

"We are going all out to investigate the matter and offenders will not be issued a compound but directly charged in court under Section 53 of the Road Transport Act 1957 which carries a maximum fine of RM2,000 or six-month or both,” said Valluvan.

He told reporters here after a dialogue session with Johor state JPJ enforcement officers here on Thursday that such stern action was necessary as abuse of emergency lanes has been worsening, especially along expressways. 

It is learnt that it took an ambulance about an hour before it could reach the accident scene involving two motorcyclists, both died on the spot.