With Hari Raya approaching, many Malaysians will be busy planning trips back to their hometowns or heading off on holiday. In addition to the government’s announcement of a 50% discount on tolls, PLUS has announced the activation of Smartlanes at 28 locations along the North-South Highway, spanning from Kedah in the north to Johor in the south.
For the uninitiated, Smartlane is the controlled use of emergency lanes by light or passenger vehicles to optimise traffic flow and increase lane capacity at critical stretches of the highway. This initiative aims to ease congestion, particularly during peak travel periods.
To ensure drivers are well-informed, there will be signs placed 1km and 500 metres before the start of a Smartlane. Just before the activation point, an electronic mobile signboard with a flashing green light will provide an additional indicator.
Once inside the Smartlane, reminders will be set up every 500 metres, with a green light displayed every 1km to reinforce its active status. With these measures in place, road users are also expected to be mindful and share the space accordingly. Do take note that the activation dates for each Smartlane varies, so road users should check for signs indicating when a lane is in use.
Drivers using the Smartlane must adhere to a speed limit of 60 km/h and remain in the lane until it ends rather than switching back to the normal lanes. At the termination point, vehicles in the leftmost conventional lane should yield to merging traffic. The ‘Tamat’ sign, usually placed 200 metres before the lane ends, serves as a reminder of its conclusion.
For added convenience, road users are encouraged to download the PLUS app or visit its website to check Smartlane activation dates and times. PLUS’s social media platforms also provide real-time traffic updates during the Raya season. With these initiatives in place, travelers can better plan their journeys and enjoy a smoother, more efficient drive home to celebrate the Raya festival.
(Source: Plus Malaysia Facebook)
