Happy with traffic lights at Rothmans roundabout

What say you on the issue below?

RESIDENT representatives from neighbourhoods around the former Rothmans roundabout in Petaling Jaya have given their thumbs up to the new traffic lights system.

Workers in the area also felt that with the installation of traffic lights, the flow was more systematic and the waiting time reduced even though the queue builds up while the vehicles waited for the green light.

SS2 (South) Residents Association (RA) chairman Lim Theng Kau said the traffic light system was a good way to tackle reckless drivers who refused to give way at the roundabout.

More systematic: The situation of the traffic light junction replacing Rothmans roundabout during the evening peak hours.

“Everybody gets their turn now, the notorious congestion has been alleviated quite substantially,” he said.

When told some commented that traffic was seen piling up at the SS2 main road more frequently after the traffic lights were installed, he said it was due to the new set of traffic lights placed at Jalan 19/8.

“The set of traffic lights was installed as more cars use Jalan Harapan now, even though drivers in SS2 have to wait for a while for the light to turn green. In general, the traffic there is safer and smoother now,” he said.

Section 19 RA chairman Tan Yew Leong and Taman Sea (Section 21) RA Gan Keng also preferred the traffic light system than the roundabout.

“Of course there is still congestion during the peak hours but I will say the situation is much better now,” Tan said.

Gan added that the waiting time has been reduced, and that drivers have been spared the nightmarish experience of inching their way through the roundabout.

PKNS Section 17 flats RA chairman Mokhtar Yaakub also gave his approval to the new traffic lights.

Working executive Zoe Soo said even though long queues were often seen near the junction, the area’s traffic flow had improved significantly.

“Traffic is coming from different directions so the waiting time is naturally longer, but despite that, the flow has improved. Of course, it has not solved the problem 100% yet but it is better now,” she said.