The Mercury Big Issues survey 2023: Readers say not enough being done to reduce traffic congestion

The Mercury’s Big Issues survey 2023 has found that readers are increasingly concerned about traffic congestion in Hobart – and they have some ideas about how to fix it.

Brooker Highway at Austins Ferry looking towards Granton. Picture: Chris Kidd

More than 80 per cent of The Mercury’s readers feel that not enough is being done to reduce traffic congestion in Hobart, putting renewed pressure on the state government to address the problem.

According to responses received through the Mercury’s Big Issues survey, 83 per cent of respondents answered ‘no’ to the question: ‘Do you think enough is being done to reduce traffic congestion in Hobart?’

There were 1672 answers to the question and a mere 17.17 per cent (287 people) said enough was being done to improve congestion.

Meanwhile, a majority (51.78 per cent) of 1655 total respondents backed the construction of a fifth lane on the Southern Outlet, and an overwhelming percentage of people (95.20 per cent) supported the expansion of the Derwent Ferry service.

Traffic jam on Argyle St. PICTURE: MATT THOMPSON

More than 70 per cent of readers felt that public transport should be made free of charge to get cars off the road, while 62.77 per cent said their commute time had increased over the last few years.

In response to the question, ‘Should there be more cycling and pedestrian infrastructure?’, 64.54 per cent of 1692 respondents answered ‘yes’.

The annual Big Issues survey has 89 questions, with many simply requiring a ‘yes’ or ‘no answer. It takes little more than 10 minutes to complete.

In previous years our readers have shared their concerns about the state’s health system, about the risks of over-tourism and the challenge of climate change.

Readers have until January 1 to complete the survey.