Thursday, October 29, 2009

DBKL: 56 out of 115 VMS in the city are faulty

What say you on the issue below?

A TOTAL of 56 units of the Variable Message Signboards (VMS) located in Kuala Lumpur are faulty! There are a total of 115 boards in the city and this means that almost half of these are not in working order.

According to the DBKL, 14 units are dysfunctional due to third party interference like electrical failure due to site construction works, faulty VMS card and cable and computer system breakdown.

Another 22 are not working due to electrical trips which occur after a thunderstorm. This problem is usually rectified almost immediately.

The balance 20 are out due to theft of copper wires and vandalism.

It was reported that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is looking at ways to solve the theft problem.

Mayor Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail had said earlier in the year that he wanted to replace the copper wires with steel ones. But studies have shown that copper wire is better than steel in terms of electronic connection and sending of messages.

The DBKL is currently looking at ways to solve this problem by investing in anti-theft devices that would prevent people from vandalising and stealing the copper wires.

According to a DBKL statement, the Integrated Transport Information System (ITIS) is not just about the VMS but includes other services and functions to benefit commuters.

Some of the benefits include the technology to capture real-time traffic information for incident management and long-term transport planning, alleviate traffic congestion and delays during rush hour periods and emergency situations.

It also reduces accidents, their severity and impact on the highway, improves emergency assistance for motorists and commuters, reduces travel time and promotes a more uniform traffic flow and also reduces pollution as a result of less time spent stuck in traffic.

The statement added that after three years of using ITIS, factors such as vehicle breakdowns, accidents, and road diversions are the main causes of traffic jams. ITIS basically collects data and information and disseminates it via VMS, call centres, the Internet and SMS.

The public are advised to be more pro-active when caught in a jam and advised to use the means above to plan their travel routes.

The statement added that the DBKL is working towards achieving world class city status and is aware that in order to do so, it needs the infrastructure for the city to be on par with other major cities of the world and is continuously striving towards that goal.

For details call 03-8947 4002 or log on to www.itis.com.my.

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