The government may ban motorcycles on the North-South Expressway (Plus) if motorcyclists continue to break traffic regulations, Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said yesterday.

Samy Vellu was speaking to reporters during a visit to the site of the Jalan Ipoh-Lumut upgrading project at Bota.

“Yesterday, I saw high-powered motorcycles on the Plus expressway and (the motorcyclists) were going at 170km per hour. There were four of them riding and racing in two lanes," he said.

He added that the government had undertaken various measures to enhance the safety of road users and reduce the accident rate and motorcyclists should consider the safety of other motorists on the expressway, especially those who paid the toll fee.
“Other motorists have to pay but motorcyclists don’t have to. Since it is free (for motorcyclists), they should exercise caution,” he said.

I couldn't believe this when this news was flashed on our New Straits Times website today.

To ban all motorcycles from the highways just because a group of four motorcyclists were speeding or racing is just unreasonable.

And to say they are endangering other road users isn't really being fair.

I've seen Mercs, BMWs as well as the odd Cayenne and Harrier travelling at well over 170km/h on the Plus highways.

Which is more dangerous: a 2-tonne, out-of-control SUV or a speeding 210kg bike?

You got to be kidding Datuk Seri Samy Vellu.