RACQ calls for tunnels to be free during serious gridlock events

FORMER premier Campbell Newman copped flak from all sides when he criticised the police response to a pedestrian fatality. But Queensland’s peak motoring group says there’s at least one thing that could have been done better.

• Backlash at Newman comments
• How the tragedy unfolded

THERE are calls for Brisbane’s tunnels to be made free of charge during police incidents on major roads after former premier Campbell Newman criticised major delays following the death of a pedestrian in the CBD.

A Samford Valley woman, 51, was killed while crossing Ann St just before 7am, prompting police to close the street for almost two hours.

The decision drew criticism from the former premier, whose opinions – posted online – angered many.

There must be a better way for the Qld Police to deal with a tragic pedestrian death than to shut down the entire northern side of Brisbane and create total and utter chaos extending more than 5 km from the CBD.

— Campbell Newman (@CampbellNewman) May 21, 2018

Gee. What would they say if someone had died in the back of an ambulance this morning that had been injured in an incident elsewhere but couldn't get to the RBH in time due to the traffic? Let's stick to the point rather than name calling and invective https://t.co/5EK5HOBMau

— Campbell Newman (@CampbellNewman) May 22, 2018

In a statement, Queensland Police Service said: “It is standard procedure to close a road where a fatality has occurred while investigators from the Forensic Crash Unit conduct thorough scene examinations without interference from traffic.

“The QPS is also conscious of ensuring scenes of fatalities are managed with dignity and respect for the victims and their families.”

Mr Newman’s comments caused backlash, including from police and LNP leader Deb Frecklington, who tweeted her frustration at what she called a lack of sensitivity.

My thoughts are with the family of the woman tragically killed in Brisbane CBD today and the first responders who tried so valiantly to save her. I don’t care what side of politics you are on, the former Premier’s comments this morning were insensitive and inappropriate.

— Deb Frecklington MP (@DebFrecklington) May 22, 2018

Mr Newman described the death as a tragedy and said he was simply asking if the aftermath could have been handled differently to avoid unintended consequences.

“What exasperates me is the typical pile-on from the Left,” he said.

“Rather than looking rationally at an issue, they resort to these sorts of personal attacks and innuendo when really it is commonsense and appropriate for us to question how these sorts of things are handled.

“I am just really calling for a bit of a look at this and if I had been premier still, I would have called in the police minister and the commissioner and sat down with them today and I would have said ‘how can we do this better’.”

Interesting to speak to a number of journos this afternoon about this sad and tragic incident. Even more interesting to note that a number said they fully agreed with me on the need to better manage. Pity that @DebFrecklington thinks its about politics. 'Cause its not. https://t.co/eNgjCRZd0E

— Campbell Newman (@CampbellNewman) May 22, 2018

In response, a police source said: “With an invitation like that, we’re just glad he’s no longer in office.”

The incident prompted RACQ to back a suggestion that tunnels should be opened free of charge to help ease congestion.

But it conceded not even free rides could have prevented the clogging of major arterial roads on all sides of the city.

“If it’s a major thoroughfare or an area where there are tunnel alternatives, we would advocate for tunnels to be opened for free,” RACQ spokeswoman Lauren Ritchie said.

A Transport and Main Roads spokesman said the department suspended tolls only in extraordinary circumstances.

“We understand Brisbane City Council has similar provisions in its toll concession deeds for the Clem7 and Legacy Way tunnels,” he said.

Tunnel tolls were waived earlier this month when the Story Bridge was closed for maintenance works.

Gridlock on Ann St, Brisbane, following yesterday’s pedestrian tragedy. Picture: Claudia Baxter/AAP