Smart Lane cuts highway congestion by up to 50pc, accident rates remain low, says Nanta

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 — The Smart Lane traffic management initiative has reduced congestion on selected highways by up to 50 per cent since its implementation, according to Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

He said monitoring by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) from 2023 to the present shows the system has been highly effective in easing traffic flow, particularly on busy stretches of the PLUS Expressway.

“The Smart Lane initiative has demonstrated strong effectiveness, reducing traffic congestion by between 30 per cent and 50 per cent.

“In terms of safety, accident rates within Smart Lane zones are very low compared to overall traffic volume,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a question from Kangar MP Tuan Zakri Hassan, who asked about the justification for implementing Smart Lanes on selected stretches of the PLUS Expressway, with a focus on safety and the comfort of motorcyclists.

Nanta also said accident statistics involving motorcyclists in Smart Lane sections are lower than those in non-Smart Lane areas, as riders tend to exercise greater caution when sharing lanes with other vehicles.

Based on the latest records, he said only 36 accidents were reported across 12 Smart Lane locations activated on weekdays between January and May 2026.

“Most cases involved minor incidents such as scratches or slight vehicle damage.

“Analysis shows that the main cause of accidents in these zones is road user behaviour, particularly failure to comply with instructions, such as using the emergency lane before Smart Lane activation begins or after it ends,” he added.

He said this includes motorists making unsafe lane changes without signalling, failing to maintain a safe following distance, and stopping their vehicles in Smart Lane areas without a valid emergency, causing obstructions to traffic flow.

He also said the ministry and LLM have directed concession companies to expand the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to monitor traffic density in real time.

This, he said, allows for more efficient traffic flow management while improving safety and comfort for all highway users, including motorcyclists.