Liberal Government fails to deliver on traffic congestion promises
Conditions getting worse as Tasmanians return to work
Minister full of excuses over delays
Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding’s promised improvements to traffic congestion are stuck at a red light.
Shadow Infrastructure Minister Craig Farrell said it appears the Minister has implemented just two of 11 promised short-term initiatives. And he has failed to keep anyone up to date on the medium and long-term recommendations from leading traffic experts.
“Rene Hidding made big promises to ease traffic congestion but has done virtually nothing,” Mr Farrell said.
“With most Tasmanians now back at work, we are starting to see just how serious the problem is in our busiest areas. Technically some of our thoroughfares are at capacity during peak times.
“The flow on effect for road users in terms of loss of productivity is very real and felt by couriers, taxi and bus drivers. Families are inconvenienced too.”
Shadow Local Government Minister Madeleine Ogilvie said inaction has forced the Opposition to speak out.
“We supported the Hobart Congestion Traffic Analysis Report in October last year when it was published. But we cannot support a Minister that does not take this issue seriously,” Ms Ogilvie said.
“The Minister has had nearly four months to make some relatively inexpensive and small changes, including the introduction of clearways, line marking and relocation of pedestrian crossings. We are not talking about big ticket items here.
“Hot spots in and around Hobart are particularly concerning as traffic banks up at peak times.
“We might hear from the Minister when schools go back about how he is going to prepare another report or cast the blame on road works, just like last year.”
Craig Farrell MLC Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Madeleine Ogilvie MP Shadow Minister for Local Government
