Hobart traffic: Southern Outlet tow truck unveiled to bust congestion woes

A new tow truck on a key Hobart highway will swoop on prangs to bust traffic woes.

Another of Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson’s congestion-busting tow trucks has hit the streets. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

ANOTHER of Michael Ferguson’s congestion-busting tow trucks has hit the streets.

The Infrastructure and Transport Minister proudly launched the second incident response unit yesterday.

Picture: RICHARD JUPE

The truck will operate during peak traffic periods and joins another that has been operating on the Tasman Bridge with extended hours since last month.

TRAFFIC FIX IS ON THE WAYS, SAYS FERGUSON

“We know that with a growing economy, more people in work and with more activity on our roads the consequence we want to manage is congestion. We want Tasmanians to enjoy their quality of life, we want them to be happy, with their families, and not wasting time … stuck in snarly traffic.”

Mr Ferguson said some of the Government’s strategies to tackle traffic would be immediate, such as the tow trucks and clearways on Macquarie St, while others would take longer.

TOW TRUCK FLEET DEPLOYED TO BUST HOBART TRAFFIC SNARLS

Michael Ferguson. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“We’re calling for tenders to develop the new fifth lane of the Southern Outlet, so that’s going to be an important piece of infrastructure,” he said.

Mr Ferguson said the tow trucks had passed their first test last week when responding to a five-car pileup on the Tasman Bridge.

“That was responded to and cleaned up within 35 minutes — that’s a record.”

From October 14, tow trucks will also begin removing illegally parked vehicles from new clearways on Macquarie St prior to the morning peak period.