DBKL Says TTDI Road Redesign Is Pilot Project
Adjustments Possible After Evaluation
KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has clarified that the road alterations in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) are part of a pilot initiative and may be revised or removed if the objectives are not met.
In its response, DBKL stated that the trial project was introduced to enhance pedestrian safety and improve traffic management in a commercial zone known for heavy foot traffic and recurring issues of illegal roadside parking.
Partnership With Global Road Safety Initiatives
The redesign was carried out in collaboration with Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety and the Global Designing Cities Initiative (GDCI), organisations that advocate internationally recognised street safety standards.
The pilot covers four roads — Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad, Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 1, Jalan Wan Kadir and Jalan Wan Kadir 1 — selected due to high pedestrian volumes and frequent obstruction of crossings by illegally parked vehicles.
DBKL said the Segambut MP’s office, the TTDI Residents’ Association and business owners were briefed on December 8 prior to implementation.
The pedestrian crossing layout follows the “Global Street Design Guide”, currently applied in 42 countries worldwide.
Performance Indicators and Non-Permanent Materials
According to DBKL, the pilot will be evaluated against several indicators, including reduced vehicle speeds, safer pedestrian crossings, decreased illegal parking and smoother traffic flow.
The city authority emphasised that the modifications were executed using temporary paint and removable materials, enabling adjustments should the trial fail to deliver the intended outcomes.
“The materials used are non-permanent and can be removed at any time if the objectives are not achieved,” DBKL stated.
Emergency Access Concerns Addressed
Following objections from the TTDI Residents’ Association, which claimed the redesign contravenes building by-laws and hampers emergency vehicle access, DBKL said remedial steps were taken after a fire truck demonstration on January 13.
Another trial will be conducted with the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia to ensure clear passage for emergency vehicles.
DBKL noted that prior to the project, vehicles were often parked illegally in front of fire hydrants. As a corrective measure, a yellow box was painted and motorcycle parking markings near the hydrant outside the Celcom-Digi outlet were removed.
However, the authority acknowledged continued instances of non-compliance by motorists.
DBKL said it will continue gathering feedback from residents and relevant agencies throughout the pilot period before making any final decision regarding the TTDI road redesign.
-wilayah.com.my
