HAVE you seen a motorcyclist using a pedestrian walkway to escape a traffic jam?
If yes, such an act should be reported in order to curb the prevalence of misusing the designated lane.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor R. Kaliyappan stressed that the public could play a role by bringing the offenders to justice.
“Now we have our very own traffic wardens who have the authority to compound these errant motorcyclists.
“They (traffic wardens) will be using the Acts used by the JPJ (Road Transport Department) to take action against the offender.
“Our team will be regularly going on patrol and at the same time we want the public to work together with us to curb the prevalence of motorcyclists misusing the pedestrian lanes,” said Kaliyappan when he was approached by Buletin Mutiara team today.
According to Kaliyappan, the offenders could be fined a maximum RM300 for committing the offence.
He said motorcyclists who used the pedestrian walkways and also those who parked their vehicles there (pedestrian walkways) would be given a timeline to pay up their summonses.
“They will be charged RM100 if they pay within two weeks of receiving the summons, and RM150 for more than two weeks (2 weeks to 4 weeks).
“For those who exceed four weeks (within 60 days), a fine of RM250 will be imposed.
“If they fail to pay within 60 days, they will be brought to the court in which a maximum of RM300 will be imposed. They will be also blacklisted.”
Apart from that, Kaliyappan admitted there is not much awareness among the motorcyclists on the pedestrian lanes.
“Just like the no smoking campaign, we have to keep preaching on this matter until it sinks into our riders’ mind.
“That is why I urge the public to be on the lookout to report to us if they see any motorcyclist committing such an act.
“We have our online complain platforms such as the WhatsApp, whereby you can snap a photo of the motorbike and send it to us,” he added.
He also stated that the pedestrian lanes in the George Town area are often misused by the motorcyclists.
Motorcyclist M. Anbukarasan, 36, feels that the riders should be more thoughtful on the safety of the pedestrians.
“As a motorcyclist, I know that the pedestrian walkway makes it easier for the riders to ‘beat’ the traffic congestion.
“But, they need to understand the danger that they could pose danger to those who use the lanes.
“I travel a lot using Jelutong and Sungai Pinang roads in which I see a stretch of pedestrian lanes used by elderly and school children.
“As riders, let us be more sensitive towards the safety of our community and adhere to the law for everyone’s benefit,” Anbukarasan said.
College student Kenrick Jabez, 19, said he often uses the walkways as it is very dangerous to walk at the sides of the road in certain areas.
“After getting down from the bus, I normally use the pedestrian lane to get to my college and so far I have never encountered motorbikes coming along my way.
“However, there were motorbikes parked at the lanes which obstructed the pathway, forcing us sometimes to walk at the sides of the road.
“It is quite risky to walk at the sides of the road but sometimes we have no choice.
“I wonder how the elderly and differently-abled people would use the lanes if the bikes are parked there. I am very much concerned about them,” Kenrick said.
To make complaints please WhatsApp to 016 200 4082 or visit http://aduan.mbpp.gov.my/
Story by Tanushalini Moroter