NSW ELECTION 2019: Smart traffic lights to dramatically improve traffic flow in Sydney

Motorists in Bankstown and East Hills can expect some relief if the NSW Government’s planned ‘congestion busting measures’ are introduced in July.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian, with East Hills Liberal candidate Wendy Lindsay, left, and Roads Minister Melinda Pavey, at Padstow Park Friday to announced the smart traffic lights program. Picture: Lawrence Machado

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MOTORISTS in Bankstown and East Hills can expect some relief if the NSW Government’s planned ‘congestion busting measures’ are introduced in July.

The smart traffic lights technology to be installed at 500 intersections in Sydney was Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Roads Minister Melinda Pavey’s main pitch to local voters during a stop at Padstow Park on Friday morning.

The announcement ramps up the NSW Government’s election pledges to the very marginal seat of East Hills, where Wendy Lindsay, the Liberal candidate for East Hills, is up against Labor’s Cameron Murphy.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian chats to locals during a walk through Revesby on Friday. Liberal candidate Wendy Lindsay is at left. Picture: Richard Dobson

Last week, Premier Berejiklian announced they will spend $1.3 billion to rebuild Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital if they are re-elected.

Less than 400 votes separated the 2015 winner, Liberal’s Glenn Brookes and Mr Murphy and both major parties are expecting another tight contest for next Saturday’s election.

Bottlenecks, including the infamous Stacey St/Fairford Rd — Lidcombe to Padstow; Roberts Rd/King Georges Rd — Wiley Park to Blakehurst; and Woodville Rd — Parramatta to Villawood; will be targeted in the $$695 million funding which will installed from July 1 over an 18-month period, if the government is re-elected.

Ms Pavey said the intelligent traffic lights systems — which will talk to each other — is expected to reduce travel times by upto 15 per cent. This is done by allocating traffic light ‘green time’ based on vehicle types and speeds.

Wendy Lindsay, Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Roads Minister Melinda Pavey announcing the congestion busting measures. Picture: Richard Dobson

“Installation should start by July 1, all going well,” Ms Pavey told the media.

“It will take around 18 months and the first could be working by the end of the year.

“This is a part of the drone package and will improve traffic across Sydney motorways.”

Ms Berejiklian, who fended questions deftly on a wide range of subjects from the metropolitan and national media, said she understands drivers want to spend less time in traffic.

“These new measures combined with new and upgraded roads will ensure everyone can spend more time doing what they need to or what they enjoy,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We are making this investment in new congestion busting technology at the same time we are upgrading roads and building new motorways which will set Sydney up for decades to come.”

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Wendy Lindsay speak to mums during a walk through Revesby. Picture: Richard Dobson

Ms Lindsay accompanied the Premier and Ms Pavey, during their visit to her neighbourhood.

“Intelligent traffic lights will be installed along Stacey St and Fairford Rd, from Lidcombe to Padstow which will greatly improve traffic flow,” Ms Lindsay said.

“These lights are able to read the flow of the traffic and change from red to green to clear traffic queues, reducing the number of stops in traffic by up to 15 per cent.

“We are also doing more to make our current road system work better here in East Hills by getting rid of the pinch points along Henry Lawson Drive.

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The measures include:

■ $400 million to install intelligent traffic lights at 500 intersections across Sydney and in Wollongong and Newcastle. These lights are able to read the flow of the traffic and change from red to green to clear traffic queues, reducing the number of stops in traffic by up to 15 per cent.

■ $200 million to upgrade major motorways, including the M1 between Gosford and Sydney, into smart motorways by using technology that automatically adjusts speed on the roads and controls vehicles entering the motorway, to smooth traffic flow and increase capacity.

■ $95 million to trial digital parking and clearway signage. This is about reducing the number of parking and clearway signs and replacing them with one digital sign which shows the restrictions which apply at that time of day, removing any confusion for drivers.