So Premier John Brumby has just decided that the solution to Melbourne's traffic congestion is to further extend clearway times across inner Melbourne.
If there is a war between transport options in Melbourne, then the car is winning hands down. In addition to spending spending a vast proportion of our transport dollars on roads and freeways, we are now reducing amenity in urban streets in favour of yet more traffic.
Melbourne has been rated several times as having "high liveability". I think that more roads filled with more cars for longer periods will detract from this.
Melbourne is faced with transport problems, not traffic problems. Unfortunately the Brumby Government and its predecessors just don't get it. Without viable options such as public transport and safe cycling, people are forced to use their cars for commuting and shopping.
More people and more cars means more congestion. While this seems simple, unfortunately the roads lobby seems to have completely captured the government agenda.
How about a referendum on transport options, including new rail lines and upgrading existing ones, instead of just spending billions on freeways and roads?
No significant new urban railways have been built in Melbourne since the Glen Waverley line in 1930. Not one.
Emissions from cars and trucks are a major contributor to climate change - it is high time that steps were taken to reduce our reliance on them for routine transport.
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2 comments:
See No More Clearways in Melbourne for a blog about this issue.
Indeed it will mean more cars - but that's what Brumby's all for, with the department of planning full of these pious road idiots and IPA cult members ensuring we get the hard end of the stick in terms of intelligent planning.
Can't wait 'till the next state election!
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