Penang outlines short- and long-term road safety measures along Jalan Berapit, including rumble strips and a road safety audit.
BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Penang government, through the state Public Works Department (JKR), has outlined a series of short- and long-term measures to improve road safety along Jalan Berapit following public complaints over safety concerns in the area.
State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said short-term measures include the installation of yellow transverse bar road markings and red rumble strips to provide visual warnings and vibration effects, encouraging motorists to reduce speed.
“Road signs, including stop signs, no-entry signs, directional signage and accident warning signs, have also been proposed to improve road users’ awareness,” he said in a statement today.
Zairil said Jalan Berapit falls under the jurisdiction of the state JKR and is subject to Road Technical Instructions (ATJ), and as such, proposals to install speed humps at the location are not permitted due to safety considerations and legal implications.
He said other measures under consideration include yellow box junction markings to improve traffic flow at intersections, pedestrian crossings to enhance safety for local residents, and the installation of bollards to prevent motorcycles from encroaching onto pedestrian walkways.
For the longer term, Zairil said the state JKR will submit a formal application to conduct a Road Safety Audit to identify accident-prone black spots and assess suitable engineering solutions.
“Among the proposals to be evaluated is the implementation of a Left-In/Left-Out (LILO) system, which only permits vehicles to enter and exit by turning left, thereby reducing high-risk crossing movements.
“Another proposal is the construction of a road median to physically separate opposing traffic flows, reducing the risk of head-on collisions and improving traffic management,” he said.
However, he noted that all proposals remain subject to approval by the relevant technical committee and must comply with existing guidelines and Road Technical Instructions.
Zairil also urged motorists to drive responsibly, observe speed limits and exercise caution on the roads.
“Road safety depends not only on infrastructure but also on the discipline and awareness of every driver.
“Responsible driving remains the most important factor in preventing accidents and protecting the lives of other road users,” he said.
