Don’t use Smart Lane to speed or cut queues, only use it at designated times, says Johor exco member

The opening up of emergency lanes to be used as Smart Lanes has been controversial, even though government officials keep telling us that the slight relief in congestion is worth it. And that’s when people have been using them correctly – driving carefully and only using the lanes during the designated times.

It’s a different matter entirely when motorists abuse the lanes by driving dangerously, such as speeding or cutting queues, and the authorities have taken notice of this. A Johor executive council member told The Star that road users should be more responsible when using Smart Lanes.

“I found many motorists using the Smart Lane as it helps them to reach their destination without being stuck in traffic congestions,” said works, transportation, infrastructure and communications committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh. “But at the same time, I also received complaints that some irresponsible road users are misusing the Smart Lane.”

He stressed that even during operation from 6am to 8pm daily, the Smart Lane continues to serve as an emergency lane and users should therefore exercise caution. “I would like to remind road users that the Smart Lane still remains for its original function, which is for emergency lanes,” he said. “This means that the emergency lane is for the use and priority of emergency vehicles and for vehicle breakdowns.”

Fazli added that the authorities can take action against irresponsible drivers abusing the Smart Lane by speeding through or driving dangerously, as they are threatening the lives of other road users.

There are two Smart Lane locations along the North-South Highway in Johor, Fazli said. “The first one is northbound between Pandan and Kempas, which runs until the Bandar Dato Onn exit and southbound until the Pasir Gudang exit. The other one is from Senai Utara exit until Kulai exit at both northbound and southbound along the expressway.”

He added that traffic congestion has eased since the Smart Lane was added at those two locations, prompting highway concessionaire PLUS Malaysia to extend the length of the lane. However, this extension will only occur on the northbound side as barriers are currently in place on the southbound side for the construction of additional lanes.

“Following studies on traffic congestion at the NSE, the Smart Lane from Senai Utara exit will be further extended to 7km long. Previously, the Smart Lane was only between Senai Utara exit until Kulai exit, but with this extension, it will reach until Kulai rest area,” Fazli said.

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