VARIABLE speed limits like those operating on the Logan and Ipswich motorways have cut rear-end prangs by nearly half, prompting the government to introduce them on the M1.
The overall speed limit will not be changed, but variable speed limit signs will be introduced to reduce the frequency and severity of crashes and cut congestion.
Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey today released the Commonwealth Games M1 review which found that in the first year of Bruce Highway variable speed limit signs, rear-end prangs were cut by nearly half.
Mr Bailey said it made sense that congestion-alleviating variable speed limits should be introduced on the M1 – the state’s busiest road – with the technology so successful in reducing congestion on other highways.
Variable speed limits were started during the Commonwealth Games earlier this year on the M1 upon which 148,000 vehicles travel daily, including 12,000 trucks.
“The research showed speed reduction and ramp metering helps to increase motorway capacity, improve travel speeds during peak times and reduce the number of crashes,” Mr Bailey said.
“Congestion variable speed limits are already in place on the Bruce Highway and Logan and Ipswich Motorways and are proven to help reduce crashes and improve travel times by minimising stop/start congestion patterns with smoother traffic flows.
“When you are travelling at a lower speed, braking is more effective. This reduces your chance of having a crash and reduces the flow-on effects to other drivers.
“Ramp metering will also form part of the Palaszczuk government’s plan to tackle congestion and improve safety.”
Mr Bailey said in the cut in rear-end crashes under slower speeds could not be ignored.
“The severity of crashes also reduced, with the percentage of hospitalisation crashes dropping from 43 per cent to 20 per cent since the implementation of the congestion variable speed limit signs on the Bruce.
“The introduction of managed motorways on the Bruce Highway has also resulted in a congestion reduction during the morning peak from more than four and half hours to just over two hours.
“For individual journeys, the improvement has been most obvious between Boundary Road and the Gateway Motorway where motorists are saving about six minutes during morning peak hour.”
Significant improvements to M1 safety and travel times were recorded during the games due to a range of then temporary initiatives.
“Despite the doomsday predictions of the LNP in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games, traffic on the M1 was well managed throughout the games,” Mr Bailey said.
“Since then, the Australian Road Research Board experts have analysed what changes would improve safety and travel times on a permanent basis.”
The ARRB report can be read at tmr.qld.gov.au/-/media/Projects/M/M1/commgamesreport.pdf
