JOHOR BARU: Those using the Smart Lane along the North-South Expressway (NSE) in Johor should not speed as it was created to ease traffic congestion and not for racing, says a state executive council member.
State works, transportation, infrastructure and communications committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh advised road users to be more responsible when driving.
He said the Smart Lane was introduced as a measure to ease congestion along the expressway especially during peak hours or public holidays due to the festive seasons.
“There are two locations along the NSE in Johor that have the Smart Lane. The first one is northbound between Pandan and Kempas, which runs until the Bandar Dato Onn exit and southbound until the Pasir Gudang exit. The other one is from Senai Utara exit until Kulai exit at both northbound and southbound along the expressway,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Mohamad Fazli, who is also the Bukit Pasir assemblyman, added that since having the Smart Lane at the two locations, it has helped ease traffic congestions.
“Following studies on traffic congestion at the NSE, the Smart Lane from Senai Utara exit will be further extended to 7km long. Previously, the Smart Lane was only between Senai Utara exit until Kulai exit, but with this extension, it will reach until Kulai rest area,” he said.
He, however, added that this extension was only meant for vehicles travelling northbound along the NSE due to the barriers in place at southbound for the construction of additional lanes.
Mohamad Fazli said he has personally used the Smart Lane to visit his constituency during the recent Chinese New Year celebration and found it to be useful in easing traffic flow for travellers.
“I found many motorists using the Smart Lane as it helps them to reach their destination without being stuck in traffic congestions.
“But at the same time, I also received complaints that some irresponsible road users are misusing the Smart Lane,” he said, adding that the Smart Lane was only open between 6am and 8pm daily, including public holidays.
He added that among the complaints he received were speeding and using the Smart Lane to cut queues dangerously.
“I would like to remind road users that the Smart Lane still remains for its original function, which is for emergency lanes.
“This means that the emergency lane is for the use and priority of emergency vehicles and for vehicle breakdowns,” he said.
“If the authorities find that some irresponsible drivers are abusing the Smart Lane by speeding through and driving dangerously, then action can be taken against them as they are threatening the lives of other road users,” added Mohd Fazli.
