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M2 Needs Safer Breakdown Lanes


M2 Needs Safer Breakdown Lanes

Author: NRMA MediaDate: 06 October 2010

NRMA Motoring & Services has called on the RTA to reconsider an innovative line marking trial to help improve the safety of motorists, road workers and cyclists using the M2 breakdown lane.

NRMA Road Safety Ambassador Coral Taylor said the proposed new line markings would provide both an audible and visual warning to help alert any driver who had veered into the break down lane.

"The NRMA's proposal for a one metre wide buffer zone located within the breakdown lane would enhance safety on the M2 and could be installed on other motorways across Sydney," Ms Taylor said.

There have been 15 crashes involving bicycles between July 2007 and June 2010, 60% of which involved a crash with another vehicle. Over the past few years, there have also been crashes involving cyclists on the M4 and M7.

Ms Taylor said there would have been many near misses too as it only took a momentary lapse in concentration to veer into traffic parked in the breakdown lane or cyclists.

"We need to take extra precautions as NSW is the only Australian state to allow bicycles on motorways," Ms Taylor said.

"The simple fact is that a single white line does not offer much warning or protection for a broken down motorist, road worker or cyclist on the road shoulder. The M2 upgrade represents a rare opportunity to improve the safety and mobility of road users."

The NRMA included the line marking proposal among 16 recommendations made to the RTA regarding the M2 upgrade - most of which were rejected.

Ms Taylor said when it comes to line marking, the RTA seems to be more concerned about noise than road safety, even though motorists would not be crossing the buffer zone under normal circumstances.

"The RTA has stated that the NRMA-recommended lines do not comply with RTA practice for urban roads mainly due to the noise generated by errant vehicles crossing the markings causing disturbance to nearby residences, however noise walls already exist along most of the M2.

"The RTA should take the lead of Victoria where audible and visual line markings are standard on all motorways."

The NRMA will approach the Department of Planning regarding its 16-point submission. It can be viewed at: www.mynrma.com.au/public-policy-submissions.htm

Contact: Peter Khoury 0439 133 115

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