|
By Jayagandi Jayaraj
PETALING JAYA - Trees planted by local authorities along several roads are obstructing the view of motorists and covering signages, thus posing a danger to road users.
Signboards covered by branches force motorists to take the wrong road.
In some cases, this is causing accidents as motorists take a sudden turn because the signage is not visible until they are too close.
Areas identified include a spot along Jalan Lapangan Terbang Lama in Subang where motorists find it difficult to see a signboard showing directions to Ara Damansara Saujana.
Desmond Siow, 32, said motorists could only see the signboard when they were very close to it.
"One may need to slow down to view the signboard.
"Only regular road users would know the area well," said Siow from Old Klang Road.
Another spot is along Jalan Selangor near Jalan Templer and Assunta Hospital in Petaling Jaya.
The signboard is blocked by trees, causing a problem for road users unfamiliar with the area.
A similar situation is also noted at a road leading to Terminal Three of Subang airport, where branches cover the signboard.
In Kuala Lumpur, motorists travelling along Jalan Raja Chulan near the Jalan Bukit Bintang turn-off may also find a signboard at the busy junction covered by branches.
Eileen Abdullah, 34, who lives in Bandar Sri Damansara, said maintenance contractors should prune the overgrown branches regularly.
Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said there were a few areas in the Klang Valley that had signages obstructed by branches.
He said people should find suitable spots to plant the trees so as not to block the signboards from public view.
He added that maintenance contractors should be vigilant and look out for branches that obstructed signboards.
"Poor maintenance is the cause of the problem and the matter should be taken seriously," said Lee, adding that many motorists, especially those from outstation, depended on road signages to get to their destinations.
A Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) spokesman said City Hall would monitor and take action on the blocked signages.
"However, DBKL is only responsible for trees within its jurisdiction.
"Its Landscape and Recreation Department will see to it.
"We are not responsible for trees along the highways," he said.
A Petaling Jaya City Council representative said the council would alert its contractors and check on the matter.
 
| 
