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Public Backs Govt Plans For Victoria Rd


Public Backs Govt Plans For Victoria Rd

Author: NRMADate: 02 June 2008

The NSW Government needs to include the upgrade of Victoria Road in tomorrow’s State Budget after new research showed more than two-thirds of the community supports more bus lanes and the duplication of Iron Cove Bridge.

The NRMA survey of 400 residents living near Victoria Road found 65 per cent supported the RTA’s proposals to introduce bus lanes at traffic hot spots without removing existing lanes for cars and the duplication of the Iron Cove Bridge.

Releasing the data on the eve of the NSW State Budget, NRMA President, Alan Evans said public support for the RTA’s proposals were not surprising, as they would improve bus access along Victoria Road without having a negative effect on motorists.

"The NRMA supports improving our roads in ways that help encourage people to use public transport without taking critical traffic lanes away from motorists," Mr Evans said.

"Using traffic flow solutions during peak hour to introduce bus lanes and expanding the Iron Cove Bridge will give buses a smoother ride along Victoria Road.

"On Epping Road a bus lane was introduced at the expense of a traffic lane much to the disgust of the public. However, it is clear that the public believes that the RTA has got it right with its proposal for Victoria Road as it won’t remove traffic lanes."

The NRMA research found that public transport usage along Victoria Road would increase by one third if the daily trip was made quicker. The survey also found the major hindrances to using public transport along Victoria Rd were:

  • Buses don’t get to their destination easily (47%)
  • The trip takes too long (46%)
  • Unreliable running times (29%)

The upgrade of Victoria Road was earmarked as an essential metropolitan project in the NRMA’s budget submission to the State Government. The NRMA is calling on the State Government to:

  • Complete the M4 Extension
  • Construct a link between the M2 to F3
  • Complete the F6
  • Widen the M5

The NRMA has also earmarked the Princes Highway, the Pacific Highway, the F3 to Branxton Link and the urgent replacement of wooden bridges across the state as part of its regional roads strategy for the State Budget.

"Regional roads were almost entirely ignored by the Federal Government in this year’s budget, with the long-suffering Princes highway again getting overlooked for a much-needed upgrade," Mr Evans said.

"We are now looking to the State Government to give regional communities the support they deserve by investing in their roads."

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