More congestion busting bumper vehicles for SEQ

Eleven congestion-clearing Traffic Response Units will be in operation across the South East Queensland road network by the end of this financial year.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Paul Lucas, today announced the existing fleet of Traffic Response Units would more than double to help reduce accident related delays.

“The response units, which are already operational in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast, have proven their worth in helping to clear broken-down vehicles and restore traffic flow.

“We’re expanding the fleet from four to six across the Brisbane area during peak times to minimise the flow-on effect of traffic incidents,” Mr Lucas said.

”They’ll be stationed on main arterials throughout the working week.

“Traffic Response Units will be based on the Sunshine Coast for the first time.

“Two will go into service on the Sunshine Coast by the end of this financial year and we’ll grow the Gold Coast fleet to three within the same timeframe.

“Physically removing road blockages quickly and efficiently not only gets traffic moving sooner, but can also reduce the risk of subsequent incidents.

“I’m advised by Main Roads, research indicates secondary accidents can potentially be reduced by 20% and the duration of delays by up to 40%.”

Mr Lucas said Main Roads is spending $15 million over the next four years to improve the operation of the South East’s road network .

“It’s a targeted and innovative approach to traffic management, and the use of smart technology is part of the equation.

“Main Roads is also investing in an Accident Survey Station which equips investigators with the digital tools they need to quickly gather crash data.

“Precision cameras and a 3D laser scanner are part of the arsenal aimed at clearing incident scenes sooner.

“The package also includes the development of software upgrades to add a new level of responsiveness to the STREAMS traffic management system.

“In what’s understood to be an Australian first, Main Roads will soon begin trials of GPS based system to green light emergency vehicles through signalled intersections under certain circumstances.

“The system gives emergency vehicles fitted with the technology the ability to talk to the traffic management software.”

Mr Lucas said the State Government is spending $100 million per week on transport infrastructure.

“Our record $3.05 billion capital spend on roads is about reducing congestion and also being smarter with the management of existing road resources.

“Already Main Roads has joined forces with Brisbane City Council to put the cities’ two traffic management systems under the one roof.

“Traffic signals on city council roads are migrating to the STREAMS system to better co-ordinate commuter movement across the entire metropolitan road network.

“It demonstrates the State Government’s commitment to meeting the transport demands of Australia’s fastest growing region,” Mr Lucas said.

Media Contact: Darren Roberts 3237 1947 / 0448 184566.