The decision to restrict heavy vehicles (excluding buses) using the Penang Bridge during peak hours i.e. from 6.30 am to 8.30 am and from 5 pm to 7 pm everyday is to ensure a smooth traffic flow according to YB Lim Hock Seng. This measure will be implemented from Aug 15, 2008.But, the requirement to obtain special passes from the Malaysian Highway Authority for transportation of urgent good by freight forwarders bordered on "stupidity"(kinder words - lack of thoughts). This was announced by YB Lim Hock Seng, Exco for Penang Public Works, Utilities, and Transportation yesterday.
It's adding further bureaucracy or paper works to the existing freight forwarding requirements. A much simpler and effective solution is to applied a surcharge to cross the bridge at those hours. However, this can only be applied for one direction - Butterworth to Penang.
Note: MHA is situated at the island side, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Penang. Office hours is 8am - 5 pm, Monday to Friday
P.S. I used the bridge quite often, I do not believe that heavy vehicles are the main or is one of the top reasons for traffic congestion on the Penang bridge. It is usually passenger vehicle accidents. Ways and means to minimize accidents on the bridge is much more important.
Heavy vehicles that really slow down traffic are the bulldozer, forklift type of vehicles, not cargo transportation vehicles.
2 comments:
In this case, we're to take good care of the majority (a social aspect) as priority.
Sorry to the minority (a commercial aspect). But, I'm confident the logisticians in the respective companies ie. importers and exporters, are able to assist in handling the logistics management and/or planning for smooth shipment, production and distribution.
I support the move. BTW, the idea was brought by the previous BN-led state government and a follow up was being carried out by PR.
Lets monitor its implementation.
Post a Comment