Mayor’s traffic plea

Motorists urged to avoid gridlock hotspot for two weeks

HOBART'S new Lord Mayor has asked visitors to the CBD to alter their routine for a fortnight to help prevent the gridlock which trapped hundreds of angry motorists in the popular Argyle St carpark on Monday afternoon.

Some motorists were stuck for up to five hours.

More than 30 decided to leave their car parked and walk out to find another way home.

Lord Mayor Ron Christie and the Hobart City Council yesterday met to discuss the fallout from the temporary closure of Campbell St.

The major thoroughfare will be closed between Liverpool and Collins streets for another two weeks to allow power cable works at the Royal Hobart Hospital redevelopment to be carried out safely.

“The Argyle St carpark was at absolute capacity at 1pm on Monday with 1140 vehicles parked,” Ald Christie said.

“We think that was due to a combination of the school holidays and the lousy weather which might have driven more bumper because of the temporary road diversion. Yesterday, the left turn into Liverpool St was closed and traffic controllers from the council and Tasmania Police were on site to control the situation. Last night the traffic out of the carpark was flowing much better.

Ald Christie said conditions were much better yesterday afternoon. “I would also like to forewarn commuters that one lane will be partially closed in Murray St on Friday for the opening of the new Myer store,” he said.

“I would advise motorists to find a different route after 8am. Motorists can expect increased pedestrian flows.”

Treasurer Peter Gutwein said he understood the anger of those stuck in the carpark.

“The council has questions to answer in regard to this situation and rethink its traffic management,” he said.

Ald Christie said the council wanted to work with the Government to ease the traffic problems arising from stellar growth in Tasmania’s capital and better public transport options were part of the solution.