SHAH ALAM: Motorists can expect heavier traffic over the weekend as the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang coincides with other international events across the Klang Valley.
The police are urging road users to allow extra time for their journeys, with several major events taking place including a concert in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) and activities at Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
In Sepang, the police advised F1 fans to expect longer waiting times as mandatory security checks come into effect at SIC from today.
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Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Shazeli Kahar said five main locations would be prioritised to ensure smooth access to the track and traffic flow in the surrounding area.
Speaking at a press conference on security preparations at the Selangor police contingent headquarters yesterday, he said checks would include ticket verification, vehicle passes and access stickers before visitors were allowed into SIC grounds.
The five locations for inspections are: the Chicken Hut area from KLIA Toll Plaza; the route from KLIA Terminal 1 towards the mosque roundabout; the area before the mosque roundabout; the route from Kompleks Warisan Rohaniah; and the junction at the police quarters.
He added that around 356 policemen would be stationed at the locations to assist with traffic control, enforce laws and facilitate VIP movements.
“Traffic control measures will start from 9am to 6pm until the end of the event on Oct 4,” he said.
Comm Shazeli urged the public to follow the police’s instructions to ensure smooth travels to the respective car parks.
He warned that vehicles without parking access would be barred from SIC grounds and directed to designated shuttle bus stops.
“Motorcycles are only allowed for those on duty and workers with the required passes,” he said, adding that about 4,000 parking bays had been allocated for the F1 race.
Comm Shazeli also urged motorists to refrain from parking along roadsides, warning that illegally parked vehicles could be issued summonses and towed to prevent traffic bottlenecks.
He also advised road users to plan their journeys to avoid congestion on race day.
“Passengers heading to either KL International Airport terminal are also urged to plan and travel early to avoid congestion,” he said.
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Sepang is not the only area expected to see heavier traffic this weekend.
Several concerts, football matches and a Le Tour de Langkawi stage are also set to take place across the Klang Valley, particularly in Kuala Lumpur.
Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief Asst Comm Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa said the department would maximise manpower to ensure smooth traffic flow throughout the events.
“We will mobilise our full strength for the programmes, including the upcoming KLSCM, All Star Legends Football Match, F1-related events and VIP arrivals, which are scheduled to take place concurrently from Oct 3 to Oct 4,” he said.
