Gold Coast M1: Variable speed limits labelled “a total cop-out” by opposition

THERE has been a mixed reaction to State Government’s announcement that the M1 speed limits would be changing on our highway. Here’s what everyone else thought about it.

THE M1 variable speed limits have garnered mixed reactions from the opposition, road safety authorities and the Gold Coast public.

On Thursday night Transport Minister Mark Bailey told the Gold Coast Bulletin reduced limits would be enforced when traffic became congested on the Pacific Motorway section of the M1 between the northern Gold Coast and southern Brisbane.

Traffic Gridlock M1 as seen from Smith st Overpass. Picture Mike Batterham

The M1 would be monitored 24/7 by a CCTV network and electronic signs displaying the speed limit would change as the roads reach a certain threshold.

It is the same system that was implemented during the Commonwealth Games in April.

But opposition leader Deb Frecklington said this measure would not be enough to fix congestion on the M1, maintaining the stance that the only real fix would be a second motorway.

“Today’s announcement by the Palaszczuk Labor Government of speed limit reductions on the M1 is an admission of failure,” she said.

“Annastacia Palaszczuk has zero credibility when it comes to fixing the M1.

“And Labor have failed to properly plan for a second M1, an alternate motorway that could take 60,000 cars a day off the M1 and help keep traffic flowing when there is an accident.

“Reducing the speed limit is nothing more than a total cop-out.

“Labor need to get on with the job of fixing the M1, planning for the future and helping motorists get home sooner and safer.

Traffic Gridlock M1 as seen from Smith st Overpass. Picture Mike Batterham

“Gold Coast residents shouldn’t have to wait until the 2020 election because busting congestion is the LNP’s number one priority.”

Public opinion on social media platform was overwhelmingly negative, with many not seeing the logic in reducing the speed limit to get from A to B quicker.

Another criticism was judging the Commonwealth Games implementation as a success, as many believe the lack of congestion was due to people avoiding the M1 altogether.

Mayor Tom Tate did not have an opinion, saying “That’s a decision for the State. We’re focused on our local road improvement program.’’

Dr Rebecca Michael said the road safety authority was in support of M1 variable speed limits. (AAP Image/Claudia Baxter)

RACQ Head of Public Policy Dr Rebecca Michaels said variable speed limits and metered ramping were implemented all over the world, with effective results.

She said she the road safety authority saw the variable limits as a good compromise, instead of permanent limit decreases.

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“RACQ is really pleased to see the introduction of the variable speed limit, we saw how successful it was during the Commonwealth Games as well as in numerous other places all over the world,” she said.

“We didn’t want to see a permanent reduction so we’re pleased to see there has been a plan put into place that will improve traffic flow while decreasing the likelihood of bumper to bumper accidents and that stop start motion.

“They’re also doing ramp metering as well which is about fixing the problem of merging but also managing volume and flow on to the network.

“So these measures will be triggered when congestion reaches certain thresholds and when use in conjunction, will really help traffic flow.”