Putting brakes on traffic jams in the North

A TRANSPORT vision for Launceston has been released with the aim of combating traffic congestion and getting people walking, cycling and bussing around the city as it continues to grow.

The vision, a collaboration between six greater Launceston councils, is now open for public comment.

At its heart is a push to flip the city’s current car-centric culture by improving pedestrian, cycling and public transport infrastructure to get people out of vehicles.

The document shows 75 per cent of the community live less than 10km from their place of work yet only 6 per cent walk or cycle to work and only 2 per cent catch the bus.

“The hilly terrain and waterways have been a barrier to cycling and walking,” the document said.

It recognises the road and highway network would continue to dominate as the means of movement for most people and freight, but planning and infrastructure spending could reduce the need for travel and the length of journeys.

Better parking in different places around the city would also be needed.

Launceston’s population is expected to grow by 5000 to 112,000 by 2036 and traffic congestion is already becoming an issue of a morning and early evening.

RACT CEO Mark Mugnaioni said once finalised, the vision would go a long way to helping provide a sustainable mobility future for the greater Launceston area.

“It’s extremely pleasing to see the mayors of the greater Launceston area come together and deliver this draft vision that considers the needs of the wider community,” Mr Mugnaioni said.

“To effect real and meaningful change to the way people move around Launceston is a huge project that will take time and appropriate longterm planning, which is only possible with this kind of cooperation from all involved.

“This is ultimately a project for the people of Launceston and RACT is encouraged the vision includes a significant community consultation process.”

The transport vision can be found at http://greaterlauncestontransportvision.com.