CAMERON HIGHLANDS: The one-way traffic implemented at the heart of Brinchang Town here has only contributed towards increasing congestion instead of alleviating it.
The increase time spent on the road due to congestion at this tourist spot, especially in weekends and public holidays, has affected the daily activities of local residents.
The heavy traffic which passes through a residential area here is not only proving to be a nuisance to the people but they also fear for their own and that of their children’s health and safety.
A resident, R Ramakrishnan, 53, said the one-way traffic was initially implemented to reduce congestion on the main road in Brinchang town due to the opening of the night market there every weekend.
However, now the night market which operates every Friday to Sunday had been transferred to Sungai Ruil, about 2.5km away from the town.
“The move to make this a one-way traffic was made without discussions with the local residents. We also found that after the opening of this one-way traffic, many business premises had also changed their location.
“Traffic is also going through residential areas. Sometimes people cannot sleep, children cannot learn, as heavy vehicles like lorries will go through this area, regardless as to whether it’s during the day or late at night," he said.
Brinchang, which is among the most heavily visited tourist spots in Cameron Highlands, has many hotels as well as commercial premises and business stalls selling various local products such as strawberries, vegetables and flowers.
Ramakrishnan, who is also the president of the Cameron Highlands Environmental Awareness Society (REACH), said increased number of vehicles passing through the main road, including trailers and trucks, had also affected local residents’ health due to carbon dioxide emission.
“There was many a time when an ambulance taking a patient to Ipoh was also caught in severe traffic congestion and this does not take into account the difficulty faced by members of the Fire Department carrying out rescue work," he said.
Another resident, Rahmah Ali, 56, said each weekend the residents in the vicinity also faced difficulty in meeting their daily affairs.
“Some people spend driving more than two hours to Brinchang, this also makes it difficult for locals, as normal days are working days.
“Hence, we want the one-way traffic to be changed as it would make travelling in the area not only comfortable for visitors but also for local residents.
In addition to Brinchang, Tanah Rata town itself often faces congestion especially during the weekends and worsens on public holidays.