Source: Google Street View

The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) is planning to introduce a two-hour parking limit in high-traffic areas facing severe parking shortages, particularly in George Town. MBPP Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran unveiled the proposal during the swearing-in ceremony of 24 councillors at City Hall on Friday.

“The rise in car ownership, averaging an 18.81% increase over the past five years, coupled with 2.8 million registered vehicles in Penang, has led to severe traffic congestion, especially during weekends and holidays,” Rajendran explained.

He highlighted the challenges of implementing infrastructure improvements like flyovers and underpasses due to Penang’s narrow streets and dense urban layout. “Most urban roads have already been converted into one-way streets, leaving limited options for expansion,” he added.

To address the issue, MBPP plans to implement a trial run of the two-hour parking limit by March or mid-year, starting with identified congestion hotspots. Public engagement will play a central role, with consultations involving residents, business operators, and property owners in the affected areas.

In addition to the parking initiative, MBPP will introduce bus-only lanes in targeted zones to improve public transport efficiency. Rajendran urged residents to embrace alternative transport modes, including e-hailing services and the city’s free shuttle buses, to ease traffic in congested areas.

“We aim to encourage people to leave their cars behind, particularly during peak hours. We’re committed to improving shuttle bus services, which already operate every 10 minutes between Komtar and Weld Quay,” he said.

Rajendran also revealed plans to collaborate with Rapid Penang to provide dedicated bus services to Penang Hospital, a facility currently struggling with parking shortages.

Addressing chronic traffic contributors like double parking and goods unloading, particularly in Weld Quay, MBPP intends to assign personnel to manage these areas full-time.

The mayor stressed the unfairness of some motorists occupying cheap street parking for extended hours, leaving others to pay higher rates in multi-storey car parks. “A two-hour parking limit is essential to ensure fair access and prevent gridlock. We will roll this out in stages, with further measures to follow,” he noted.

Rajendran concluded by urging the public to adhere to traffic rules, emphasizing that even a single improperly parked vehicle could exacerbate congestion in areas like Pulau Tikus, Weld Quay, and Jelutong. “The volume of traffic during holidays and the narrow roads make proactive measures essential,” he said.