Gantry System on highway

The Star Link

Samy: Gantry system by end-2008

PETALING JAYA: The Multi-Lane Free Flow system or gantry system will be implemented by the end of 2008, said Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu.

Construction on the RM800mil pilot project is set to begin in March in several hot spots in the Klang Valley to ease the worsening traffic congestion.

The hot spots include the Lebuhraya Damansara Puchong (LDP), Kesas expressway and New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE).

Under the gantry system, motorists need not stop to pay toll at the booths. Deductions would be made automatically from their prepaid toll cards, almost similar to the present Smart TAG system.

“During the preparation period (beginning March), we will focus on a new central clearing house (to monitor the system), changing all equipment and amending laws pertaining to the implementation of the system,” said Samy Vellu.

Speaking to reporters after opening the Business Development Seminar for Micro and Small Businesses here yesterday, he added that it had yet to be determined who would bear the cost of building and implementing the system.

“We will decide on that very soon,” he said.

On increasing road safety, Samy Vellu said that more cameras would be installed along highways using the gantry system to catch traffic offenders, especially those who speed.

“We will have a more comprehensive monitoring system of traffic offenders once more surveillance cameras are used.

“This will help lower the number of accidents and also serve as a deterrent to motorists who want to break the law,” he said.

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When I read this news, at first, I thought "wow, good news, finally not gonna stuck in traffic jam on the toll booth". Errr.. when I continue reading it, found a sentence "... yet to be determined who would bear the cost of building and implementing the system..."

Well, I know the answer for that.. It's us, the citizen that would bear the cost of building and implementation of the system lor.. SHIT, why would he wants to hide the truth? Please tell me, who else would be bearing the cost?

"You want to use it, you gotta pay for it" is the famous quote from Semi Value. But hey, I was just wondering, for LDP, would it help if this gantry system is implemented? I don't think so, because the jam started before and after the toll, not just before the toll. Geezz.. stupid...