PLUS has announced 21 SmartLane zones for the North South Highway over the Deepavali holiday period, which is from today (October 30) till November 4. The 21 locations span from Kedah in the north to Johor – check out the graphics above (overall) and below (northern, central and southern zones) for the exact locations and dates.
If you’re not already aware, SmartLane is the opening of highway emergency lanes for legal use by light or passenger vehicles. It is to help smoothen traffic flow by optimising all lanes available and increase capacity at critical stretches on the highway.
Note that before the start of a SmartLane, there will be signs to inform motorists 1km and 500 metres before the start point, and there will also be an electronic mobile sign board just before the start, which will have another sign with a green light. Reminders that you’re in an active SmartLane will be set up every 500 metres, and there will be a green light every 1km too. With all these in place, perhaps motorcyclists will be aware that they have to share.
All good things come to an end however, and 200 metres before the end of the SmartLane, you will see a ‘TAMAT’ sign, which will also be at the end point. These reminders were issued during the previous festival, and they should also apply now.
When using the SmartLane, follow the speed limit, and PLUS recommends that you drive below 60 km/h. Once you’re in, stick to it till the end and do not merge back into the regular lane. Motorists in the leftmost regular lane are advised to give way to merging traffic at the SmartLane’s end point.
Remember, the use of highway emergency lanes are only legal at designated SmartLane zones, and if you’re caught using it outside of these 21 areas (check the dates too), it remains an offence and there will be eyes. Be alert and drive safe. By the way, PLUS’ Deepavali free toll period started at 12.01 am on October 29 and will end at 11.59 pm tonight.
