SEVERE traffic jams and constant accidents at the Batu Caves roundabout have become a daily bane for road users.

The huge roundabout, a connecting point to many parts of the city, is usually congested particularly during peak hours when motorists can be stuck there for hours.

This is in spite of the presence of traffic lights positioned along various points of the roundabout.

According to nearby residents and regular road users, inconsiderate motorists are the sole cause of the jams.

"I travel all over the city on a regular basis because of my job" said William Wong, a resident of Kepong for the last 50 years, "but this is the worst and most dangerous roundabout that I have ever come across."

Another resident, who only wanted to be identified as Cheok said that the roundabout was "a nightmare."

For Tan Lai Hing, road accidents are a common occurrence.

"It's not surprising because nobody wants to give way," he said. "The traffic lights that were installed are not that useful."

The traffic lights, which were installed last April, currently only operate from 6.30am to 9.30am daily, and have been not very effective in alleviating the congestion in the afternoons and evenings.

Due to the many complaints by road users and nearby residents, MCA Youth deputy chairman Yee Poh Ping has submitted some suggestions to City Hall to improve the situation.

"The letter was hand-delivered to City Hall Transport Department director on Jan 8, and I have also spoken to the department's senior engineer."

"They said they would study the feasibility of the proposals," he said.

Yee said suggestions included diverting traffic heading from Bandar Baru Selayang to Kepong or Petaling Jaya, to make the U-turn in front of the Batu Caves temple, and take the flyover to the city.

"This will allow traffic from Kuala Lumpur or Jalan Kuching to enter the roundabout and head over to Sri Gombak and the East Coast. It might take longer, but it is safer.

"I think this would help solve the problem of non-moving traffic at the roundabout," he said, adding that the suggestions were based on detailed observation of the situation at the roundabout.

Another suggestion was to increase the operations of the traffic lights from only once a day to three times a day 11.30am to 2.30pm and 4.30pm to 7.30pm.

"City Hall said they will broach the matter during their traffic task force meetings."

"I appeal to them to consider our suggestions for the safety of motorists in the long run," added Yee.

Photo: MCA Youth deputy chairman Yee Poh Ping (second from right) studying the suggestions that have been forwarded to City Hall to help alleviate the jam at the Batu Caves roundabout. With him are residents (from left) William Wong, Cheok and Tan Lai Hing.