Govt Mulls 'Congestion Charges' In KL To Reduce Traffic By Up To 20%
"We are carefully studying how it will impact road users and the public transport system," Dr Zaliha Mustafa told the Dewan Rakyat.
The government is considering introducing congestion charges in Kuala Lumpur to ease traffic congestion, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa
According to Free Malaysia Today, drivers would be required to pay a fee to enter the city under the congestion charge system.
Zaliha said the initiative is being considered under the Kuala Lumpur Traffic Master Plan 2040 to help reduce peak-hour congestion.
"The congestion charge is one of the strategies being considered to manage traffic. We are carefully studying how it will impact road users and the public transport system," she told the Dewan Rakyat.
A feasibility study is being conducted by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research and the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation to assess its effectiveness in reducing traffic and increasing public transport use in the city.
"The findings of this study will be presented to the Cabinet before any final decision is made," Zaliha assured.
Image via Bernama/New Straits Times
Citing international trends, Zaliha noted that congestion charges have helped reduce traffic by 10% to 30% in cities like New York, Singapore, London, Jakarta, and Beijing
"Based on global trends, if congestion charges are implemented in Kuala Lumpur, we expect a 20% reduction in traffic," she said, reported the New Straits Times.
She added that different cities have implemented different mechanisms, including flat fees, zone-based charges, peak-hour pricing, or restricting odd and even licence plates on alternate days.
Image via New Straits Times
Zaliha also assured that efforts to improve Kuala Lumpur's public transport system will continue in parallel with the congestion charge study
She said traffic congestion is estimated to cost the country RM20 billion annually, and that improving the city's public transport system is key to resolving the issue.
"I agree with the Transport Minister that congestion charges should not be enforced before a city has an integrated and efficient public transport network," she stated.
The minister also acknowledged concerns regarding the economic impact of congestion charges, citing studies that show a temporary slowdown in business activity in the first two to three years
However, she assured that the system would reduce congestion to yield long-term benefits such as improved accessibility to business areas, increased pedestrian activity, and greater public transport use.
"The goal is not to burden people but to make Kuala Lumpur a smoother, more efficient city for everyone," she said.
The authorities are also considering closing a main stretch of Jalan Bukit Bintang to traffic to alleviate severe congestion in the area:
Check out more recent news on SAYS:
Leave a comment