Drivers' bad attitude contributes to accidents, congestion on expressways - Baru Bian

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- Drivers’ reckless attitude continued to be the contributing factor on traffic congestion and accidents on the expressways, and not the discounted toll rates, said Works Minister Baru Bian.

He said the drivers’ bad attitude continued to contribute to the statistic every year.

“Discount in toll charges is the concession companies’ way to show appreciation to their customers and has nothing to do with the traffic congestion experienced during the festive seasons.

“Most importantly, all concessionaires also issue their respective travel proposal schedule for motorists to plan their journey better during festive season,” he told the media after launching the safety advocacy campaign in conjunction with the Chinese New Year (CNY) here today.

Also present was the Malaysian Highway Authority director-general Datuk Seri Aziz Abdullah and Malaysian Association of Highway Concession Companies (PSKLM) president Sazally Saidi.

Baru said in conjunction with the CNY celebration, on Feb 5, 25 expressways concessionaires would offer toll rebates between 10 and 30 per cent as an incentive to road users.

He said the 24-hour special discount for Class 1 motorists would take effect from 12.01am until 11:59pm on Tuesday, Feb 5.

“A total of 14 expressways including the North-South Expressway (PLUS), East Coast Expressway Phase 1 and 2 (LPT1 & 2), SMART Tunnel, Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS), KL-Kuala Selangor Expressway (LATAR) and the Penang Bridge will offer a 10 per cent discount on the toll charges,” he said.

The 15 per cent discount would also be provided to motorists using the Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH), Kemuning Shah Alam Highway (LKSA), Kajang SILK Highway, Guthrie Corridor Expressway, KL-Putrajaya Highway (MEX) and the New North Klang Straits Bypass (NNKSB).

Meanwhile, a 30 per cent discount in toll charges would be given to those using three expressways, namely, the Cheras Kajang (Grand Saga) Expressway, Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE) and Damansara-Puchong (LDP) Expressway.

For motorists using the New Pantai Expressway (NPE) and Sungai Besi Expressway (Besraya), they would enjoy a 20 per cent discount in toll charges during the same period.

-- BERNAMA