RACT and UTAS initiative to tackle traffic woes

THE RACT and University of Tasmania have convened a panel of engineers and urban development experts from throughout Australia to help tackle traffic congestion in Hobart.

RACT Group chief executive Harvey Lennon, left, with UTAS Professor Jason Byrne in Salamanca. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

THE RACT and University of Tasmania have convened a panel of engineers and urban development experts from around Australia to help tackle traffic issues in Hobart.

The state’s peak motoring body and the university are calling for public submissions for their joint Greater Hobart Mobility Vision, a 30-year plan aimed at solving traffic congestion in the region.

University of Tasmania human geography and planning expert Jason Byrne said the panel would consider all suggestions and create a shortlist for discussion at a public forum later this year.

“Hobart has reached a critical juncture in its history where it’s experiencing multiple issues around housing affordability, rapid population change and traffic congestion,” Professor Byrne said.

“This indicates we need a bigger, more strategic perspective.”

MORE:

EDITORIAL: LET’S CONFRONT TRAFFIC ISSUES

TRAFFIC CONGESTION GETTING WORSE

RACT chief executive Harvey Lennon said the motoring body hoped to learn how Hobartians travelled and why via an online survey.

About 90 per cent of journeys in the region are currently made by car.

The panel will include Professor Byrne, transport engineering expert Rocco Zito, sustainable cities expert Anna Lyth, transport planner Adrian Btizios and urban strategy specialist Steven Burgess.

Submissions close at 5pm on Friday. For details go to www.hobartvision.ract.com.au.