Government says congestion-busting action is working

New tow trucks are helping to ease traffic congestion in Hobart, says the Government and it has released figures to prove it.

A RAPID response tow truck stationed more permanently near the Tasman Bridge has responded to more than 50 incidents since early August.

The tow truck has been called into action on 51 occasions from August 5 to October 17, including 31 during a previously unserviced period between morning and afternoon peaks.

Of those incidents, 10 vehicles have been towed away after a crash while seven were towed after breaking down.

It is one of a fleet of tow trucks stationed in and around Hobart as part of State Government measures to try and bust congestion in the city.

Another servicing the Southern Outlet has responded to 18 incidents between September 2 and October 17, with five vehicles towed to a safe location away from the incident site.

A tow truck stationed on the Brooker Highway, which commenced on Monday October 14, attended to three incidents during the first four days of operation.

Traffic congestion in Hobart. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

This included two crashes on Wednesday morning during peak hour.

The first involved three cars at the Bowen Rd intersection and took about 20 minutes to clear.

The second occurred inbound just after the Risdon Rd intersection and was cleared within about half an hour, but resulted in traffic disruptions for much longer.

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Meanwhile, tougher measures to prevent motorists parking in clearways on Macquarie Street also commenced this week. Two vehicles were towed away for noncompliance.

The Government said it had widely warned motorists about the upcoming changes to clearways, including an advertising blitz and a grace period.

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said the data showed the Government’s plan to bust congestion was working.

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“Getting where you need to go, when you need to be there is important for all Tasmanians, and we have made a number of changes to reduce congestion in the CBD and on key feeder routes,’’ he said.

“Through removing illegally parked vehicles on Macquarie Street, we are ensuring this important thoroughfare is able to operate at optimal capacity.”

But Labor infrastructure spokesman Shane Broad said not enough was being done.

“Tasmanians are frustrated at spending too much time stuck in traffic, while the Government sits on its hands,’’ he said.

“Will Hodgman has been in Government for almost six years and all he has to show for it is a couple of clearways, some tow trucks and an embarrassing infrastructure strategy.”