MPKj is considering installing another height barrier on the other side of Jalan Mutiara to completely keep out heavy vehicles.
the height barrier installed by Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) on Jalan Mutiara at the entrance to Bandar Bukit Mahkota has failed to keep out heavy vehicles.
Errant drivers are bypassing the barrier by using the lane meant for oncoming traffic instead, which is the exit road from Bandar Bukit Mahkota.
This endanger motorists who are exiting the township as they risk colliding head-on with the lorries going in the opposite direction.
To eliminate this problem, MPKj now mulls the need to instal a height barrier on the exit lane too.
Jalan Mutiara is the main access road between the housing and the Nilai 3 Industrial Area in Negri Sembilan.
A lorry bypassing the barrier on the entry road by using the exit lane instead, going against traffic and endangering other motorists
MPKJ Corporate Planning and Public Relations director Kamarul Izlan Sulaiman said there were many complaints about the road being damaged because of the lorries.
He said that in response to the problem, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) gave approval on March 5 for Persiaran Mahkota 1 and 2 to be off-limits to heavy vehicles.
As both roads are connected to the main road of Jalan Mutiara, a heavy duty height barrier of 2.8m was installed on May 16.
“We want to prevent vehicles that are above two tonnes from going into Bandar Bukit Mahkota, to reduce damage and accidents.
“But lorries are now trying to pass through the barrier or worse, bypass it by using the exit lane instead.
Residents claim that the potholes on the roads in Bandar Bukit Mahkota are caused by heavy vehicles. — Photos: SHAARI CHEMAT/The Star
“So, we are now considering putting a barrier on the other side too,” he said.
Kamarul said MPKj did not instal a height barrier in the direction heading towards the Nilai 3 Industrial Area as it wanted to allow fire engines to pass through during emergencies.
In addition, the council expected the lorries to have a lighter load when leaving the township.
When contacted, Hulu Langat MP Mohd Sany Hamzan, who highlighted many damaged roads in the area, said he was happy with the new traffic plan but regretted the action of the irresponsible heavy vehicle drivers.
The matter will be raised with the authorities, he added.
