Many road users are using severe congestion as their primary excuse for illegally using emergency lanes on highways.

Negeri Sembilan Road Transport Department (RTD) director Hanif Yusabra Yusuf said motorists also commonly claimed they were trying to shorten their travel time.

Image Credit: NST

"Using emergency lanes not only breaks the law but also obstructs the movement of ambulances, fire trucks and security forces, putting lives at risk."

"For the current school holiday period from 20 December to 11 January, we have launched an operation focusing on the misuse of emergency lanes," he added.

As of Sunday, 325 notices have been issued to road users who violated Regulation 53(1) of the Road Traffic Rules 1959.

"Those found guilty may be fined RM300 or be charged in court," he said after observing northbound traffic on the North-South Expressway yesterday.

Image Credit: BERNAMA

Hanif said enforcement records showed that 2,288 cases of emergency lane abuse were detected last year.

"This clearly indicates that awareness of the regulation needs to be improved."

He added that RTD enforcement would remain continuous, strategic and concentrated, especially on major highways and accident-prone stretches.

Members of the public can lodge reports on traffic offences via the MyJPJ application under the e-Aduan feature or through email at [email protected].

Featured Image Credit: NST, The Star