Trial decision rests with the RTA

ANY decision the Clarence Valley Council makes to improve afternoon traffic flow onto the Grafton Bridge could be wiped with the stroke of a pen.

ANY decision the Clarence Valley Council makes to improve afternoon traffic flow onto the Grafton Bridge could be wiped with the stroke of a pen.

A council committee agreed to ask council staff to investigate a trial restriction of left-hand turns from Clarence St onto the bridge between 3.30pm and 5.30pm on weekdays to see if it might improve peak hour traffic flow.

Councillors voted 4-1 in support of Cr Margaret McKenna's proposed three month trial this week, but, according to deputy general manager Rob Donges, any decision might amount to nothing.

He told councillors they could put a proposal to the local traffic committee but, even if the committee supported the trial, the RTA might be able to veto it.

“There will be a decision of the traffic committee, but the power will reside with the RTA,” he said.

“Council cannot unilaterally close the road.

“Although it has the appearance of a democratic process, the RTA has the power.”

In her report to council, Cr McKenna said she had received advice from council staff that the RTA did not support a left-turn restriction at Clarence St as there was no provision for motorists to turn around if trapped by the restriction.

“I am suggesting staff investigate the current situation, particularly road widths, alternative routes and the regulatory signage requirements, and prepare a proposal for the council's consideration and possible referral to the traffic committee,” she said.

The issue continues to attract plenty of debate on our website, with close to equal numbers in support of a trial restriction on Clarence St traffic as opposed to it.

POLL RESULTS

We asked: “Would you support a trial restriction on traffic turning onto the Grafton Bridge?”

55% said yes

45% said no

200 people had voted by yesterday afternoon.

Originally published as Trial decision rests with the RTA