GEORGE TOWN: What used to be a short drive from one point to another in the city became a nightmare for motorists on the island as the volume of traffic swelled on Saturday (Nov 6).

       Major roads in George Town especially Penang Road, Transfer Road and Esplanade were full of vehicles mostly from out of state.

       State Traffic and Public Order Department chief Supt Zafri Zolkapli said most of the traffic congestion was at popular tourist areas and famous restaurants where tourists converged during their trip.

       "Some of them made unnecessary stops along the roads and parked their cars at non-gazetted parking spaces that caused the gridlock," he said.

       Supt Zafri said traffic policemen from George Town police headquarters have been deployed to control traffic flow.

       He said motorists are advised to follow the traffic rules to prevent traffic congestion in the city.