City of Launceston councillor Paul Spencer believes there is a simple solution to easing some of the traffic problems plaguing the East Tamar Highway south of the Charles Street bridge: get rid of the right-turns.
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Cr Spencer watched traffic bank up repeatedly during peak hour on the busy stretch of road on Wednesday, and believed the frequent red lights at the Esplanade intersection were causing unnecessary congestion in both directions.
He said drivers should not be able to turn right onto the East Tamar from the Esplanade, nor should they be able to turn right onto the Esplanade from the East Tamar. The green light for through-traffic should be permanent, apart from when pedestrians want to cross. Left turns would remain.
Cr Spencer raised his idea with Department of State Growth staff at a recent traffic forum, and believed it should be trialled.
"You can see that whenever this light goes red, dozens of cars are banking up in both directions just to let two or three cars enter," he said.
"In my view, they should only be able to enter the road from William Street, there's no reason for cars to be able to turn right into or out of Esplanade.
"This won't fix all of the problems through there, but it would make some difference and I think it needs to be trialled for three months.
"I guarantee it would work."
MORE ON TRAFFIC PLANS IN INVERESK:
The City of Launceston is developing the Invermay Traffic Master Plan which will guide future traffic management in the area near Goderich/East Tamar, Lindsay and Gleadow streets, and other nearby roads as property in the area is further developed.
The roads south of Lindsay Street - including the intersection with the Esplanade - were not a part of the plan, but could be considered as part of a broader strategy for the region.
A spokesperson for the Department of State Growth said they would be open to considering the idea in conjunction with the council.
"The Department of State Growth is working with greater Launceston councils on improving transport planning in the region as part of the Tasmanian Government's Launceston and Tamar Traffic Vision," the spokesperson said.
"Consistent with this partnership approach, the department would be happy to work with Launceston City Council officers to consider the suggestions made by the councillor."