Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said new flashing signs and road markers had been installed to help make drivers aware of the part-time tram lanes.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to improve traffic flows on busy inner city roads and sections of tram track in Holmes Street, Brunswick and Brunswick Street, Fitzroy now have flashing signs to alert drivers that they are approaching a tram lane and that traffic must merge into the left lane during certain times,” Ms Kosky said.

“These tram lanes are sections of tram tracks reserved solely for trams during peak periods so they are not delayed by motor vehicles.”

The flashing signs are in addition to the usual tram lane signs on overhead wires and solid yellow lines alongside the tram tracks.

“It is important that motorists understand and abide by the road rules when driving with trams in Melbourne,” said Ms Kosky.

“We’re aiming for trams to flow better through our busy streets and provide a reliable service for up to 140 passengers on board each tram in peak times.

“The improvements coincide with the “Obey the Yellow” education campaign to raise awareness of tram lanes, shown by a solid yellow line beside the tram tracks.”

Drivers are not allowed to travel in tram lanes during the hours of operation except to enter or leave the road, make a right hand turn or avoid an obstruction.  Failure to follow the road rules can result in fines of up to $220.

New flashing signs and road markers will highlight the existing outbound part time tram lanes at:
• Holmes Street, between Balmoral Avenue and Moreland Road, Brunswick
4.00pm-6.30pm Monday to Friday
• Brunswick Street, between Rose Street and Alexandra Parade, Fitzroy
4.30pm – 6.30pm Monday to Friday.

“There are 24 part time tram lanes in Melbourne and a number are being upgraded as part of the Think Tram Program, which aims to improve tram travel times, reliability and safety,” Ms Kosky said.

Yarra Trams Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Cliche said: “Tram priority is crucial to making tram travel an even more attractive and viable transport option for Melburnians.

Such initiatives help us to improve tram service reliability and predictability in order to increase our share of the personal travel market in Melbourne,” he said.

The Think Tram Program is part of the State Government’s approach to increasing public transport use, and focuses on the busiest parts of Melbourne’s tram network.

The program aims to improve tram services by measures such as separating trams and other road users, improving tram priority at traffic lights, upgrading tram stops and limiting delays to trams by right turning vehicles.

For more information about the project, please visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/thinktram or telephone the Think Tram information line on 1300 309 571.