A traffic consultant who warned the Hobart City Council that its Collins Street bike lanes would cause congestion says his predictions have now come true.
Keith Midson told Pulse the Centrepoint car park has ground to a halt under Christmas shopping demand – something he says was inevitable.
“This was always going to happen due to the changes to the exit conditions in Victoria Street and the changed conditions in Collins Street due to the bicycle lanes,” he said.
Midson, director of Midson Traffic, prepared a report for the Confederation of Greater Hobart Business earlier this year that found the bike lanes were “not warranted” in their current form.
That report warned removing traffic lanes and parking would increase congestion and could add up to 25 minutes to Centrepoint entry and exit times.
The council proceeded with the project anyway.
Midson said cars leaving the car park are now experiencing “huge delays” with queuing extending well beyond ramp five.
He said the council appears to be attempting traffic management at the Collins Street junction.
“[But this] won’t have much impact because it doesn’t address the loss of capacity caused by the removal of the exit lane,” he said.
Councillor Louise Elliot said she had received reports of cars stuck on level six for 30 minutes.
“I’ve lived in Hobart all my life and know that this isn’t typical pre-Christmas,” she said.
“One lane exiting Centrepoint is big mistake. If only some weren’t so arrogant to assume they know it all.”
The bike lane project saw two lanes reduced to one on Victoria Street and the removal of a number of parking spaces on Collins Street.
City of Hobart Director of Strategic and Regulatory Services Karen Abey said all off-street car parks in the city are at full capacity during the festive season, particularly between 9am and 3pm.
She said the lane reduction was introduced to simplify the intersection and make it safer for all road users, supporting the new zebra crossing and reduced speed limit.
“Previously, this intersection was the site of frequent minor incidents and near misses, particularly for vehicles turning right while navigating adjacent traffic,” she said.
“The new layout significantly reduces these risks.”
Abey said the council had temporarily banned right-hand turns from Victoria Street onto Collins Street to help traffic flow.
She encouraged motorists to allow extra time and consider the free Park and Ride service from the Regatta Grounds or additional Derwent Ferry services from the Eastern Shore.
