Traffic smooth during vehicle-free zone trial run at Banda Hilir

ALOR GAJAH - The trial run for the implementation of the vehicle-free zone which involved closing some roads around Banda Hilir here, for six hours yesterday, went smoothly with the cooperation of all parties.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said following the trial run, the state government will conduct a detailed study on the traffic flow around the area.

"There was no congestion in the areas involved because traffic from the outer ring roads that were closed, especially around the Stadthuys Building, was well controlled.

"We will improve this from time to time as we review public complaints or feedback throughout the implementation of the vehicle-free zone trial run," he told reporters after officiating at the state-level National Youth Day Celebration here today.

Also present was Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim and State Youth Development, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee chairman VP Shanmugam.

Ab Rauf said following the trial run, a survey conducted found that most traders as well as small and medium entrepreneurs in the area hailed the move as it had benefitted them.

He said the closure of the roads gave the traders the opportunity to conduct their business along the pavement or outside their premises thus helping them to increase their income.

"Generally the traders that we met yesterday gave a positive response because they were able to open their shops until late at night and the road closure allowed tourists to stop by their shops," he said.

The vehicle-free zone will be implemented every Saturday from 6pm to 12 midnight as a trial run.

The 2.3- kilometre stretch closure involves Jalan Istana, Jalan Mahkamah, Jalan Gereja, Lorong Gereja, Jalan Laksamana as well as parts of Jalan Tun Khalil Yaakob and Jalan Merdeka - BERNAMA