One-way roads to ease congestion in Kepong

Three roads will be converted into one-way streets at Taman Usahawan in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur to allow for smoother traffic flow around the commercial area.

Jalan Metro Perdana 2, 3 and 4 surrounding Fortune Avenue apartments will become one-way streets after Chinese New Year (CNY).

Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng said the decision was made after a meeting between stakeholders and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) two weeks ago.

“Taman Usahawan is congested because of the many eateries and businesses in the area.

“The switch to one-way traffic will benefit motorists, as we believe it will ease congestion.

“However, Jalan Metro Perdana 1 will remain two-way as we could not get enough stakeholders from Fortune Perdana to agree to the one-way traffic conversion,” he said at a press conference in Jalan Metro Perdana 1.

Lim also urged motorists not to double-park at commercial areas.

Lim says he will discuss with DBKL about implementing a two-hour parking limit in the area.

He said DBKL had a right to issue summonses to those breaking the law.

“Residents here also tend to hog council parking bays for various reasons.

“This prevents visitors from parking near the commercial lots,” he said.

On Jan 3, StarMetro reported that residents from nearby developments were hogging parking spaces in Taman Usahawan for days or weeks at a time.

This was because parking there was free of charge and residents did want to pay for parking bays inside their condominiums.

It was learnt that parking was free because the roads had not been handed over to DBKL at the time.

“However, DBKL has started charging for parking in the area and those who flout the laws will be penalised,” Lim said.

“There are about 7,000 residential units in the area from developments such as Fortune Avenue, Fortune Perdana, Fortune Centra, The Henge, Mizumi and Residensi Kepongmas.

“I will meet with DBKL to discuss the possibility of introducing a two-hour parking limit here.”

Fortune Avenue Block C and D building manager Catherine Wong said double-parking was rampant in the area.

“It is difficult to put a stop to it, so changing the traffic flow to one-way and implementing parking charges will hopefully help with congestion.

“The situation worsens when restaurants illegally take up parking bays below the apartment.

“This happens even though DBKL conducts enforcement in the area,” she said, adding that double-parking and restaurants occupying parking bays were recurring issues.

Noodle stall owner Michael Ling hoped that with DBKL charging for parking, fewer residents would occupy the bays.

“Some do not even move their cars for days or worse, weeks.

“They should just rent a bay at their respective apartments as taking up council bays discourages visitors from coming to the area,” he said.