By Aida Aziz
IPOH: The installation of traffic lights along Jalan Perajurit in Ipoh Garden East last August allegedly failed to resolve traffic flow issues and instead created more problems.
Residents said the traffic lights’ location, directly in front of their homes, made it difficult to enter and exit their properties.
They also expressed concern over motorcyclists who allegedly ignored red lights and rode along the road reserve in front of their homes to avoid stopping at traffic lights.
Other problems included confusing road arrows and unclear traffic arrangements for motorists turning left or travelling straight ahead.
“Following several accidents at both junctions, there was a proposal to install traffic lights.
“For years, residents attended town hall sessions to object to the proposal and suggested closing both junctions to maintain continuous traffic flow, while providing a U-turn route.
“The road carries heavy traffic as it connects Aeon Kinta City to Bercham and Tambun. Unfortunately, since the traffic lights were installed, congestion has worsened, particularly during peak hours, despite the presence of sensors,” a resident said.
The resident added that entering and leaving their homes by car had become more difficult, as vehicles stopped directly in front of their properties whenever the lights turned red.
“Many motorcyclists ride at high speed along the road reserve in front of our homes to avoid stopping at red lights. This puts residents’ lives at risk.
“Another issue is the confusing road markings. Although there is a sign allowing motorists to turn left when the road is clear, the arrows on the road indicate both left turns and straight-ahead movements.
“The vehicle at the front may want to go straight, while those behind want to turn left. This causes motorists to honk from morning until night. Imagine having cars constantly honking outside your home, disrupting the peace,” the resident said.
Residents also claimed that they had narrowly escaped being hit by motorcyclists who ran red lights while they were reversing their cars out of their homes.
“Some residents have had their side mirrors broken, while others have nearly been hit by motorcycles when getting out of their cars, particularly in the early morning and at night.
“Complaints have been lodged, but we have yet to receive any feedback on how the problem will be addressed,” a residents’ representative said.
In view of the worsening situation, residents have put forward several recommendations to the relevant authorities to address the problems.
They suggested that if the traffic lights were to remain, signs prohibiting motorcycles from using the road reserve in front of residential properties should be installed, alongside stricter enforcement against motorcyclists who run red lights.
They also called for the confusing road arrows to be corrected and the existing speed bumps to be retained to ensure residents’ safety.
