I campaigned against the changes to Collins and Victoria streets, warning they would restrict access to the CBD, and the current Christmas congestion shows those concerns were well founded.
Shoppers are experiencing long delays exiting Centrepoint, with reports of motorists stuck for up to 30 minutes. This outcome was clearly predicted. The independent Midson traffic report, prepared for the Confederation of Greater Hobart Business in January, warned council that removing traffic lanes and parking would significantly increase congestion and could add up to 25 minutes to entry and exit times.
View Midson Report: edwinjohnstone.com.au/midson
December is always busy, but this level of congestion is not typical. The difference this year is the permanent loss of road capacity in the heart of the city. Council was warned that reducing lanes in Victoria Street and lanes at key intersections in Collins Street cause extra congestion and that is exactly what has happened.
While temporary traffic measures may offer limited relief, they do not address the underlying issue. If shoppers can’t get in and out of the city easily, they won’t keep coming back, and that has real consequences for local businesses and Hobart’s economy.
Edwin Johnstone
Chair, Confederation of Greater Hobart Business
