CAP says this would enable shoppers to move around freely and safely, turn the area into a paradise for tourists.
GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) wants the local council to turn the Little India area here into a permanent vehicle-free zone (VFZ), not just during festive season.
CAP president SM Mohamed Idris said turning the whole Little India area into a VFZ would enable people to walk around freely and safely while shopping.
He said it would also reduce high risk of fire and accidents to the public and properties.
He wants the whole length of Lebuh Pasar, and part of Lebuh Penang, Lebuh King, Lebuh Queen and Lebuh China to be made VFZ.
“It will be a paradise for tourists,” he told a press conference in CAP office here today.
He praised the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) for granting permits to the Little India traders to set up canopies and carry out their business freely for Deepavali.
But he noted that the canopies had increased in sizes and numbers in each Deepavali shopping period
and even petty traders had joined the bandwagon.
He said this year the congestion had reached maximum level in the area as both sides of parking bays had been occupied by canopies, forcing vehicles to be parked haphazardly and illegally at road junctions, alleys and service roads.
A check by FMT showed that even though currently vehicles had been blocked from entering into Little India area, some motorists had defied the traffic directive and removed blockade to drive through.
This not only had compounded the already congested shopping place but also puts pedestrians at risk.
“The canopies on both sides take up two thirds of the width of the roads, leaving only about one third of the space for shoppers, tourists and vehicles passing through, risking the safety of people and property.
“Should there be a fire, it would be catastrophic, as even fire engines may have difficulty coming in,” warned Idris.
Therefore, he said turning the whole Little India into a VFZ would be an advantage to shoppers, tourists and traders.
He said heavy vehicles coming in to the area to load and unload goods can be allowed at scheduled times during the day, while all private vehicles should directed to park in multi-storey car parks in bordering roads like Lebuh Pantai and Lebuh Union.
“Elderly people may be dropped off or picked up at the nearest point and they may use trolleys to transport their goods,” said Idris.
GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) wants the local council to turn the Little India area here into a permanent vehicle-free zone (VFZ), not just during festive season.CAP president SM Mohamed Idris said turning the whole Little India area into a VFZ would enable people to walk around freely and safely while shopping.
He said it would also reduce high risk of fire and accidents to the public and properties.
He wants the whole length of Lebuh Pasar, and part of Lebuh Penang, Lebuh King, Lebuh Queen and Lebuh China to be made VFZ.
“It will be a paradise for tourists,” he told a press conference in CAP office here today.
He praised the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) for granting permits to the Little India traders to set up canopies and carry out their business freely for Deepavali.
But he noted that the canopies had increased in sizes and numbers in each Deepavali shopping period
and even petty traders had joined the bandwagon.He said this year the congestion had reached maximum level in the area as both sides of parking bays had been occupied by canopies, forcing vehicles to be parked haphazardly and illegally at road junctions, alleys and service roads.
A check by FMT showed that even though currently vehicles had been blocked from entering into Little India area, some motorists had defied the traffic directive and removed blockade to drive through.
This not only had compounded the already congested shopping place but also puts pedestrians at risk.
“The canopies on both sides take up two thirds of the width of the roads, leaving only about one third of the space for shoppers, tourists and vehicles passing through, risking the safety of people and property.
“Should there be a fire, it would be catastrophic, as even fire engines may have difficulty coming in,” warned Idris.Therefore, he said turning the whole Little India into a VFZ would be an advantage to shoppers, tourists and traders.
He said heavy vehicles coming in to the area to load and unload goods can be allowed at scheduled times during the day, while all private vehicles should directed to park in multi-storey car parks in bordering roads like Lebuh Pantai and Lebuh Union.
“Elderly people may be dropped off or picked up at the nearest point and they may use trolleys to transport their goods,” said Idris.
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