SECTIONS of Charles Street and Paterson Street are slated to become two-way, after traffic flow changes were approved by the Launceston City Council on Monday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Under the motion the Kingsway would become a one-way street in a northerly direction, and parts of Charles Street, Brisbane Street and George Street would be reduced to one lane.
The motion included moving bus stops in St John Street and redesigning the York Street bus stop between St John and Charles streets.
Alderman Robin McKendrick voted against the plan, which was supported by all other aldermen present, saying he did not support the two-way changes or lane reductions.
Alderman McKendrick cited information provided to him by traffic engineers that one-way streets were safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
He said that as 47.3 per cent of public responses to the project in the community consultation phase had been in opposition to the changes he did not feel they had community support.
‘‘I don’t believe the people of Launceston want that change,’’ he said.
‘‘If we’re going to consult let’s take notice of it.’’
Council general manager Robert Dobryznski said the decision made by the council at Monday’s meeting would be fundamental to the City Heart project.
‘‘We’re proposing to put a $15 million project to round three (of National Stronger Regions federal funding) which fundamentally reflects what the council decides here today,’’ he said.
‘‘If the council doesn’t decide anything I fear for our prospects of getting any funding in round three, which is any funding in the lead-up to the federal election.’’
Charles Street will be made two-way between Brisbane and York Streets, and Paterson Street will be changed to a two-way street between Charles and St John streets.
The changes are dependent on securing funding for the City Heart project.