Penang considering two-hour parking limit to help ease congestion

PENANG is looking to impose a two-hour parking limit for all vehicles in certain commercial zones of George Town under the jurisdiction of the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).

The two-hour limit would be conducted on a trial run, and if it works, there is a possibility that it becomes permanent by law on the island.

Under the MBPP Lord Mayor and President Datuk Anthony Rajendran, the council has gradually begun taking measures to ease traffic in the inner city, particularly in the Unesco World Heritage Site 109.38 core zone.

He said many MBPP councillors prefer if the zone becomes mostly a bicycle and pedestrian-friendly zone rather than having vehicles ply the route.

Rajendran, who is considered the architect behind the last Penang traffic system revision, announced the proposal during the swearing-in ceremony of 24 appointed MBPP councillors for 2025 at City Hall in Esplanade.

The increase in car ownership, at an average of 18.81% over the past five years, coupled with a total of 2.8 million registered vehicles in Penang and the influx of vehicles during weekends and holiday seasons, has resulted in severe traffic congestions,” Rajendran said.

“It is difficult to build flyovers in Penang due to the narrow roads and buildings lining the streets. Most urban roads cannot be widened and have already been converted into one-way streets.”

MBPP plans to engage with stakeholders, business operators, and property owners in the affected areas on the two-hour limit, said Rajendran.

To improve public transport, MBPP will designate bus-only lanes in the targeted areas for the two-hour parking limit to ensure public buses run on time.

The limit comes on the contentious move to increase city council parking charges by 50% as another inducement to compel ratepayers to opt for public transport here.

Rapid Penang operates free shuttle bus rides throughout George Town and from the Prai mainland to the island. 

Rajendran also stated that MBPP plans to collaborate with Rapid Penang to provide bus services to Penang Hospital, which is facing a serious shortage of parking. 

Currently, a free shuttle bus service runs every 10 minutes between Komtar and Weld Quay. - January 5, 2025.