New traffic lights causing congestion

Source: http://thestar.com.my/metro (6/9/2010)

A new traffic lights system in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur, is causing frustration among motorists as it is the cause of congestion in the area. The traffic lights at the Jalan Segambut Pusat and Jalan Segambut Tengah junction is causing a backlog of vehicles all the way to the Duta roundabout since it started operating on Sept 2.

Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng said the traffic lights were installed by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) three months ago without consulting the residents. He added that last week during the testing of the traffic lights, there was a huge backlog spilling into Jalan Duta from Jalan Segambut Pusat and Jalan Segambut. “Despite that, the traffic lights became functional this week and there are many unhappy people here because it takes more time to get to their destinations,” he said during a press conference on Friday. He said he would bring the matter to Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Fuad Ismail’s attention.

Businessman Liew Way Mun, who operates an auto parts shop in Jalan Segambut Selatan, said it now took him 45 minutes to get to his shop from Jalan Segambut when previously it took less than 10 minutes before the traffic lights started operating. “There is also a problem getting back to Jalan Segambut from my office. Last time it took me only three minutes but now I am stuck for almost half an hour,” he said.

Another businessman said the traffic lights were not solving any traffic problems but only causing more frustration among motorists. “Before it was operational we did not think it would be a problem but now I must say it is madness. DBKL should have conducted a proper traffic study before deciding on this,” he said.

Christopher Ong, 52, who lives in Taman Segambut Hilir said the traffic lights was a good idea because it was much easier for him to get out of Jalan Segambut Tengah to Jalan Segambut Pusat. “It is difficult to get out of Jalan Segambut Tengah without the traffic lights. Sometimes it took me 10 minutes just to leave the junction because motorists in Jalan Segambut Pusat would not give us a chance to turn out,” he said.