SOLVING PJ PARKING WOES
PETALING Jaya residents have called on the local council to expand its closed-circuit television (CCTV) system to curb illegal parking, particularly in commercial areas.
The CCTV system, which is paired with loudspeakers, has raised awareness among motorists to park lawfully. However, the residents said it was equally important for the council to ensure sufficient parking space and regulate parking fees charged by private companies, including shopping malls.
Suzana Ghafar, 34, said the recently introduced system had deterred illegal parking, which, in turn, had eased traffic congestion.
“However, the council needs to ensure that there are sufficient parking spaces in an area before taking action against motorists. “Those working in the city centre may have a hard time finding parking with affordable rates. Some are forced to park illegally by the roadside or on the pedestrian walkways.
“The council needs to consider the issues faced by the people before enforcing a particular rule.”
Farhan Hamdan, 37, said some private companies might take advantage of the limited parking bays in commercial areas by imposing high fees.
“The average private parking fee in the city is about RM10 per day, which means we have to fork out about RM300 per month just for parking.
“Those who earn RM4,000 and above have no problems paying, but what about those in the lower-income group?
“There is a need for the authorities to introduce a law to control parking fees in the city,” he said. The Petaling Jaya City Council said it had received positive feedback from the residents on the CCTV system.
Its corporate communications deputy director, Abdul Hakim Khairuddin, said it was recently introduced in 12 locations in the city.
He said the council planned to expand the CCTV system to other areas in Petaling Jaya.
“The council will take into consideration the views and suggestions of the residents on the matter.”
The 12 locations are near Affin Bank Bhd in Jalan Yong Shook Lin, Amcorp Mall in Jalan Timur, Taman Jaya in Jalan Timur, The Art Gallery in Jalan Utara, St Paul Church in Jalan Utara, Hotel Armada in Jalan Utara, Asia Jaya LRT Station in Jalan Utara, Hilton Petaling Jaya in Jalan Barat, SK Sri Petaling in Jalan Utara, SMK Bukit Bintang in Jalan Utara and Wisma Yan in Jalan Selangor.