Lower speed limit on M1 will reduce tailgating, improve flow

TRAFFIC on the M1 will flow more smoothly with the speed limit lowered, an expert says.

• Meant to ease M1 gridlock

A DECISION to reduce speed along the Gold Coast section of the M1 motorway ahead of the Commonwealth Games has been backed by a senior lecturer of urban planning and transportation.

University of Queensland senior lecturer Dorina Pojani told The Courier-Mail lowering the speed limit would improve traffic flow and reduce fatal crashes over the busy period.

“There have been studies recently that show maintaining a certain distance between cars on the road actually improves traffic flow; people think that riding bumper-to-bumper gives them the advantage of an extra inch,” she said.

“Lower speeds will make people keep more distance, so that’s the science behind it.

Morning traffic snarls on the M1 despite the speed limit being lowered. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“We know that in urban areas where there is a more complicated road pattern that accidents are more likely to happen, but then the reality is that on highways the speeds are higher, so crashes that are fatal are more likely.

“There are lots of minor incidents in urban areas — more than on highways — but in a highway accident, one is more likely to lose their life.”

The first day of lower speed limits did not seem to have the desired effect, with many motorists taking to social media to complain.

Delays starting to rack up on the M1, on the first day of the reduced speed limits, after a crash involving a truck and car. #GoldCoast

— Mitchell Van Homrigh (@Moosk) February 28, 2018

So the first day they reduce the speed limit on the #M1 to make it safer there is a big arse prang and everyone is late for work! Oh the irony #GoldCoast

— Sassier Muffin (@SassierMuffin) February 28, 2018

How do we plan for the #CommonwealthGames ? Let’s reduce the speed limit a month before the games begin. That should do it. #Goldcoast #2018

— Mr Munchies (@Abdullah_Osman) March 1, 2018

Driving to work along the M1 this morning with the new slower 100kmph speed limit, watching cars speed by - either unaware of the new changes, or just lead feet drivers. #GoldCoast2018 #GoldCoast

— Matt Fulton (@MattFultonComAu) February 28, 2018

In the article about the traffic on the M1 to the Gold Coast, you state that times may improve. I do not know if you were in Sydney for the Olympics, there were no problems for traffic as the NSW Government had the foresight to put everyone on 2 weeks holidays.

— peter cooper (@peterco86632469) March 1, 2018

Drive on M1 this morning took 1h 50mins hours Brisbane to Gold Coast vs normal 1h 10 mins with solid traffic jam Pimpama to Helensvale - much slower @abcbrisbane

— Jack Bryce (@jackbryce) March 1, 2018

Ms Pojani said there was no escaping heavy congestion in April due to the Commonwealth Games, and part of the reason the speed was lowered could be to deter motorists from the roads.

“Lower speeds might make people choose not to drive, and it might make some people choose public transport instead, which is a more efficient way to get around anyway,” she said.

Her advice for people attending the Games this year was to avoid the roads altogether.

“Try not to drive during the Games, catch the train,” she said.