The latest ‘smart freeway’ has opened along the Mitchell Freeway with the promise of saving peak hour commuters seven minutes, but Perth drivers say the roads are more congested than ever.
A new survey from the RAC of 360 drivers has revealed 80 per cent hold that belief, and two in three of them say road rage has also increased as a result.
Road rage is increasing as congestion gets worse, Perth drivers say. Credit: Getty Images
The average one way commuting time in Perth has risen by seven minutes in the past two years – now at 37 minutes total.
The increase has been put down to population growth, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics saying WA’s population is rising faster than any other state.
RAC external relations general manager Will Golsby said the way to resolve the problem is through increase transport infrastructure and improving alternative modes of transport.
“Sitting in traffic not only places a significant toll on our community’s health and wellbeing – it also hinders the state’s economic performance,” he said.
“Road network upgrades and improvements to public and active transport that keep pace with population growth are essential to ease the impact of congestion.
“However, we know in many cases upgrades to roads induces demand – meaning the extra capacity is eaten up over time by drivers who, ironically, want to benefit from reduced travel times.
“That’s why we need to see greater focus on encouraging commuters to reduce car trips whenever they can and opt to walk, ride or catch public transport instead.”
Both Labor and Liberal state and federal campaigns have promised they will widen the Kwinana Freeway if elected.
Read the full article here