The power of one for Brisbane traffic

Two separate traffic management systems will become one to help Brisbane meet the demands of a busy metropolitan road network.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Paul Lucas and Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman have today inspected Brisbane’s $5 million big brother of traffic management.

“The state of the art Brisbane Metropolitan Transport Management Centre has, for the first time, brought state and council roads together under the one roof,” Mr Lucas said.

“For motorists it means better coordination of traffic signals between the two road networks to improve congestion management particularly during peak periods.”

Mr Lucas said the BMTMC is the nerve centre controlling movement across 6,500 kilometres of road with the ability to adjust traffic lights and tidal flow systems to ease the impact of congestion.

“Previously the job of coordinating the system had been split between two separate management centres, one for state controlled roads, the other for Brisbane City Council’s.

“With 50 cameras keeping a watchful eye over key city roads, intersections and busways we’re also able to streamline the dispatch of emergency vehicles in times of need.

“A wall of real time monitors ensures emergency services are able to navigate the best and fastest route under the guidance of the traffic management team,” Mr Lucas said.

The Lord Mayor said the new BMTMC, which had been in planning since 2003, meant road users would now receive a higher level of service than ever before.

“Council and State Government traffic and transport agencies are now working well under the one roof. Variable message signs across Brisbane are now centrally coordinated,” Cr Newman said.

“People are better served by a traffic management centre that will deliver timely information about all roads that impact on their journey – whether they are council or State Government roads.”

In August 2004, the agencies involved in this project – the Brisbane City Council, Queensland Transport and the Department of Main Roads – signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a joint traffic and transport management centre.

“The BMTMC is the result of that vision and every person who uses the city’s roads will benefit from it,” Cr Newman said

“It’s another example of the State Government and the Brisbane City Council working together to protect the Brisbane’s enviable lifestyle,” Mr Lucas said.

“By merging the two systems we can streamline management of the road network, improve safety, reduce congestion and the environmental impact of our transport system.”

“The centre makes it easier for motorists to plan their journey during peak times with up to the second traffic information on the internet and now on-the-go with mobile phones on the 13 1940 hotline,” he said.

Main Roads has estimated the merger of the two systems could potentially save motorists up to $40 million in travel time improvements.

Media Contact: Darren Roberts  - 0448 184 566