NEW CONGESTION PLAN TO EASE PEAK PRESSURE

Tuesday, 29 April 2008
Clearway times on busy Melbourne roads will be extended and more strictly enforced through tow-away zones, under the Victorian Government’s new $112.7 million congestion plan, Keeping Melbourne Moving, Premier John Brumby announced today.

Mr Brumby said the plan aimed to ease congestion in the short term, while medium and longer term solutions, like major road upgrades and the purchase of new trains and trams, were underway.

“Jobs and the population are growing faster than predicted,” Mr Brumby said. “This growth has led to more cars on the road and more people on public transport, putting pressure on our roads and public transport and extending the time of our peak periods.

“This plan will provide some quick, immediate relief, with a focus on the 10 kilometre radius around the CBD which experiences some of the heaviest congestion during peak times.”

The new plan comes out of consultation at the Premier’s Congestion Roundtable the Premier held earlier in the year with community and industry leaders.

“I listened to the views of a range of stakeholders who put forward practical ideas to relieve congestion,” Mr Brumby said.

The Keeping Melbourne Moving plan will standardise the more than 150 clearways within 10 kilometres of the Melbourne CBD from 6.30am to 10am and from 3pm to 7pm, helping traffic flows during peak traffic times. Clearways will also be more strictly enforced.

Also included in the plan is an extension of the tram and bus priority program, an extension of rapid response patrols to clear broken-down vehicles; a funding boost for cycling and pedestrian facilities, and an information campaign for motorists.

Minister for Roads and Ports, Tim Pallas, said these initiatives could be implemented quickly to make a significant difference to the journeys of thousands of road users in cars, trams, buses and bikes.

“The Brumby Government has already had a number of long term initiatives to reduce congestion as part of the $10.5 billion committed to road and rail projects within Meeting Our Transport Challenges (MOTC),” Mr Pallas said. 

“This includes $1.9 billion for major road projects, which includes the M1 upgrade.”

“Sir Rod Eddington’s report is currently out for public consultation with public submissions informing the Government’s response later in the year.”

Minister for Public Transport, Lynne Kosky said the MOTC commitment also included $7.5 billion of public transport projects including new rail tracks, new stations, and the purchase of new trains and trams.
“But we are providing quick action now to keep Melbourne’s traffic flowing during peak times,” Ms Kosky said.

“This plan will help reduce congestion now by improving traffic flow and providing greater priority for public transport services, with a focus on the most heavily congested routes.

“The Government will continue to work with local government, industry and commuters to ensure these initiatives are responsive, effective and delivering results.”

Mr Brumby also announced changes within the Government’s Department of Infrastructure.

A new Department of Transport will be created from the Department of Infrastructure to deliver a stronger focus on the delivery of transport improvements, as new projects come on line to increase network capacity and meet the demands of record growth. 

Mr Jim Betts, currently the Director of Public Transport, will be appointed Secretary of the new Department of Transport. Major Projects Victoria will now move to the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development.