Crashes on the M1 nearly halved since speed limits dropped ahead of Gold Coast Commonwealth Games

STUNNING new data has revealed the true impact of lower the speed limit on the Gold Coast stretch of the M1 and if the number of crashes have actually dropped.

TRAFFIC crashes on the M1 have almost halved since speed limits were slashed on the M1 for the Commonwealth Games.

Data released by the Department of Transport and Main Roads has revealed the full impact of the changes, which saw the speed limits slashed by 10km/h on March 1 as part a measure to reduce congestion for the event.

M1 CONGESTION HOTSPOTS FOR THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Traffic on the M1 the day of the speed limit changes Picture Glenn Hampson

The figures reveal:

•Crashes had dropped by nearly 50 per cent while the duration of incidents had fallen from one hour to just 17 minutes.

•Between 88 and 96 per cent of trucks are using the left lanes

•Initial ramp metering results show an improvement in travel time of up to 30 per cent for the southbound M1 section from exit 60-69.

•Speed differences between lanes has dropped by an average of 18 per cent.

•The number of lane changes has dropped 68 per cent for heavy vehicles and 44 per cent for cars.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey hailed the result as a success.

AVOID THE M1 AT ALL COSTS DURING THE GAMES

Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports of Queensland Mark Bailey (AAP Image/Dan Peled)

“While still being refined, early data from the trial is showing promising reductions in both total recorded crashes and recorded incident duration in sections of the M1 where the speed limit has been reduced,” he said.

“We will carry out a comprehensive review into the effectiveness and performance of all M1 management initiatives at the completion of (the Commonwealth Games).”

FULL LIST OF GAMES ROAD CLOSURES

The data revealed trucks are staying in the left-hand lanes Picture Glenn Hampson

Speed limits are set to return to normal on April 17, though the lower speeds could become permanent if is found they helped reduce the number of crashes.

From March 1 speed limits of 110km/h were reduced to 100km/h between the Logan Motorway Interchange and Gaven (Exit 69), northbound and southbound.

Speed limits of 100km/h dropped to 90km/h between the M1/M3 merge at Eight Mile Plains to just north of the Logan Motorway interchange.

GOLDOC chairman Peter Beattie said he was “delighted” by the figures.

HOW TO AVOID GAMES GRIDLOCK

Peter Beattie. Picture: Alix Sweeney

“It shows the long-term planning is working and there is another factor to consider — with the Games being held in School holidays you will see a further 20 per cent reduction in traffic,” he said.

“I am delighted and encouraged by this outcome and it shows things are working but I do warn people if you are taking a car, give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination, build in some fat and remember where the venues are.

“I want to thank drivers for their good behaviour, because I know how hard it has been — I’ve been living on that road for the past two years.”