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my/nstweb/ fullstory/37742 cited on 8/5/2011 Task force to ease traffic congestion

16th April, 2010 KOTA KINABALU: Police will form a traffic task force soon to ease alarming traffic congestion in the city. State Police Commissioner Datuk Noor Rashid Ibrahim said the body will conduct a study and resolve traffic congestion along major roads in Kota Kinabalu. Noor Rashid said they would also look into traffic congestions occurring in other major districts and take appropriate action. We received numerous complaints from motorists of heavy traffic congestion on major roads in Kota Kinabalu everyday especially during peak hours, he said when contacted by New Sabah Times. The identified roads facing such congestion are Putatan-Kota Kinabalu, Penampang-Kota Kinabalu and Tuaran-Kota Kinabalu roads. He said police would also find ways and means to resolve congestion reported along JalanLintas. Noor Rashid reminded motorists to give close cooperation and follow instruction from traffic personnel. My men will take appropriate action against inconsiderate motorists who jumped queues, beating the lights and making U-turn in undesignated areas, he added. He also expressed concern with the number of fatal accidents reported in the first quarter of this year. The State police recorded 94 fatal accidents which claimed the lives of 105 throughout the state in the first three months. In the same corresponding period last year, police recorded 72 deadly mishaps with 77 deaths. He said police would conduct road blocks to check and educate motorcyclists on road safety regulations.

During the corresponding period this year, bikers topped the death list with 24, followed by pedestrians (20) private car drivers (14) 4WD passenger (14) and others below 10. Police would also stamp out arrogant drivers in their effort to minimise accidents. Investigation showed that majority of fatal accidents was cased by negligence and speeding. Most of these accidents took place after office hours and in the wee hours where there are no traffic personnel on duty to monitor these road warriors, he added.