GEORGE TOWN, Aug 22 — Penang police have urged organisers of motorcycle and vehicle convoys to plan their movements carefully amid an anticipated increase in traffic volume in the state during the upcoming school holidays, long weekends and major events.

State police chief Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng said the advice was also issued in view of ongoing construction works, including the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project along several major corridors, which require the movement of vehicles in groups to be planned according to current traffic conditions.

“Organisers must notify the relevant district police in advance about the convoy so that the authorities can assess the situation and provide advice on safety and traffic management.

“The assessment will take into account the route, number of participants, timing, stopover locations and current traffic conditions to ensure the convoy can proceed in an orderly manner without affecting safety, public order and traffic flow,” he said in a statement yesterday.

He said organisers and participants must also comply with all laws and road regulations, as well as follow the instructions of police and traffic officers.

Lim said participants must not obstruct or disrupt traffic, including by stopping in groups at intersections, along roadsides or at locations that could pose a danger to other road users.

He also reminded escorts and marshals not to take over the authorities’ role in controlling traffic, including stopping vehicles, directing other road users to give way or diverting traffic without authorisation.

“The unauthorised use of sirens, beacon lights or similar equipment on private vehicles is also is not permitted, and all participants must maintain discipline, avoid dangerous stunts and not disturb other road users throughout the convoy,” he said.

Lim said organisers must also take into account ongoing construction work, lane closures and traffic diversions when planning the convoy route and timing.

Penang police have no objection to community activities or convoys that are organised responsibly, but they must not compromise road safety, public order or compliance with the law, he said.

Lim said that enforcement action would be taken against anyone found committing an offence under the law, and urged organisers and convoy participants to cooperate fully with the authorities and ensure their activities were carried out safely and in an orderly manner without affecting the safety of other road users. — Bernama