A car turning into the wrong lane at the Lorong Utara B junction.
PETALING Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will restore the two-way traffic direction for right-hand drive cars along Lorong Utara B, Section 52, Petaling Jaya, the council’s assistant corporate communications director Abdul Hakim Khiruddin said.
He said MBPJ had weighed the comments shared by the public and would revert to the original traffic flow to cater to right-hand car drivers soon.
“We are in the midst of engaging a contractor to repaint the arrows on the road. We will return to the old system,” said Hakim. However, he would not say when the new road direction would take effect.
Resident K. Paul from Istara Condo said there were many near misses at the Lorong Utara B junction near the Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital.
“Sometimes I honk just as I am nearing the junction to alert any oncoming vehicles. My neighbours were sharing some photographs of two accidents that took place two weekends ago at the same spot, because of the confusion. We hope the directions will be reverted for right-hand drive cars because that is the safest for all,” he said.
He expressed hope that MBPJ would continue to tow and issue summonses for vehicles parked outside the condominium, especially those near the junction leading into Lorong Utara B.
“Motorists can park at the large carpark provided by the local council beside the Asia Jaya LRT station, which has a flat rate of RM3 on weekdays and is free over the weekend.
“No one should park on the road shoulders or the pavement along Lorong Utara B, because it is dangerous.
“Motorists can also park for free at the Astaka field’s parking. Double-parking here is dangerous to motorists and pedestrians.
“When vehicles are parked on the road shoulders, it obstructs motorists’ view. It is difficult for residents to enter and exit the lanes. We must all be responsible drivers and think of everyone’s safety,” he added.
Paul hoped the council would also help to mark the directions on the road connecting Lorong Utara B and Lorong Utara Kecil through the field.
“There is confusion here too, on who drives on which side of the road. I am glad the council trimmed the plants around the field so we can now see oncoming traffic better. However, this has to be maintained. I would like to suggest that convex mirrors be installed at blind spots along the Astaka pavers,” he said.
In January, MBPJ had switched the traffic direction in Lorong Utara B and Lorong Utara Kecil to a two-way system meant for left-hand drive cars.
This drew objections from residents and stakeholders such as those from Istara Condominium, Section 52 Lorong Utara Residents Association and Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Jaya.
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