I think the issue of clearways and the use of road space should be a little more sophisticated than just a no clearway stance. Parking interferes with trams and cycling. I think we should re-engineer Sydney Road to favour sustainable transport – walking, cycling and public transport. The key here is separating the local small business issues from the transport issues and addressing them one by one.
In transport the issue here is road space management and how we:
• Ensure right of way for trams and other forms of public transport
• Expand cycling and walking facilities
• Encourage the government to be more balanced in its implementation.
Traditionally expanding clearways in Melbourne means expanding road space, and more space for single occupancy vehicles which is most inefficient. What we should be calling for is, firstly, negotiation/consultation from the government and secondly, a new type of clearway (more like the London model) where parking is not replaced with car lanes but with a tram right-of-way and a bike lane.
How about a Sydney Road in peak hour with one bike lane, one car lane and one tram lane? This already exists on Mount Alexander Road. It could be done in a way that makes the road safer and discourages through traffic. Remember Brunswick has the highest number of people who cycle to work in Melbourne.
Carlo Carli MP | Member for Brunswick
Friday, May 16, 2008
Carlo Carli on a different approach to clearways
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2 comments:
I like the Sydney Road proposal -- but discouraging through traffic seems to be the opposite of what the government is proposing at the moment. The extension of the clearway is aimed at facilitating through traffic ...
I think you are right - except on Friday Minister Pallis announced the extension of the 40km limit on some shopping strip roads. I therefore think there is some flexibility but we have to argue our case.
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