Penang ups climate, traffic mitigation measures

Published by TheVibes• 27/11/2023

GEORGE Town Mayor Datuk Anthony Rajendran said the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) would play a key role in traffic and climate change mitigation next year, with the installation of outdoor thermometers and smart traffic lights.

He said the devices would provide the council’s one-stop monitoring centres with real-time humidity, heat and air quality data while improving traffic flow.

This was part of MBPP’s commitment to environment, social and governance practices, Rajendran said at a joint presser with Adelaide Mayor Dr Jane Lomax-Smith.

The press conference marked the 50th sister city celebration between the two townships, which kicks off next month and lasts a year in both localities.

Rajendran and Smith agreed their cities face massive challenges in addressing the effects of climate change.

He said among their intermediate plans was to plant more trees and educate ratepayers about carbon emissions.

Rajendran earlier said several roads under the MBPP’s jurisdiction would be fitted with smart traffic lights to monitor congestion.

“It will switch more quickly to green if there are more vehicles so there won’t be bottlenecks, especially during rush hour.”

Penang, since emerging from Covid-19 restrictions, has experienced among the worst traffic congestion in the state’s recent history.

Rajendran said the MBPP would also convert several streets in Tanjong Tokong into one-way lanes to mitigate the jam.

Meanwhile, state infrastructure and transport exco Zairil Khir Johari in a separate event urged road users to consider using public transport as the state realises the Penang Transport Master Plan.

The state government has linked up with Rapid Penang bus services to ply certain routes for free to boost ridership.

The plan involves building traffic dispersal links and a light rail transit system to serve as the backbone of local public transport. – The Vibes, November 27, 2023.