More cars on the roads as kids shun public transport

THE return to school for thousands of Tasmanian students has brought with it a return to traffic congestion.

Hobart’s roads were bumper-to-bumper yesterday morning with traffic slowing across the bridge and on major arterial roads.

RACT executive general manager membership and community, Stacey Pennicott, said she had reports of increased traffic.

“As COVID-19 restrictions are eased, it’s expected that traffic volumes will increase substantially given community concerns about public transport,” she said.

“Anecdotally, we’re hearing that many people who would usually take public transport

EMMA HOPE

are opting to drive instead, which is going to compound infrastructure issues.

“Today we have seen some schools change their drop-off and pick-up points, which has added to congestion in some areas. We expect that as more year groups return to school in coming weeks, congestion will worsen.

“That’s why we are calling on the Government to fasttrack congestion-busting upgrades to ease traffic congestion and help stimulate the economy.”

The RACT has called on the State Government to fast-track work on the Derwent River ferry service. The Government committed to the ferry service at the last state election.

Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said Treasury was reviewing the state’s $3.7 billion infrastructure program to identify projects that could be brought forward, or begun quickly.

“We are working hard to reduce traffic congestion in the CBD and on key feeder routes,” he said.

“Work is also already under way on progressing Hobart’s new Southern Outlet transit lane and the Kingborough Park and Ride.”