Hobart’s small businesses are suffering from ‘bad traffic management’ decisions, ‘disastrous’ road closures and ‘congestion-causing crossings’, one local businesses association says.
Edwin Johnstone from the Confederation of Greater Hobart Business is calling on the Hobart City Council to step in and fix the city’s traffic situation, warning that things are ‘only going to get worse’ as time goes on.
He says the recent installation of multiple pedestrian scramble crossings on Liverpool and Murray Streets has led to increased traffic congestion, with many reporting dangerous drivers speeding and running red lights to beat the shortened green light cycles.
“Scrambled crossings are adding to [the chaos] in the CBD with only a handful of cars getting through each light change,” Johnstone says.
“Multiple businesses in Elizabeth Street have advised me that they are suffering decreased air quality due to the petrol fumes from the banked-up traffic.”
The Association has launched a petition, with over 300 signatures, calling on the city council to work with State Growth to adjust or relocate the scramble crossings.
Hobart Alderman Louise Bloomfield is among the councillors pushing for the council to address the negative impacts and provide data on the trial at an upcoming council meeting.
