Your views

Bass Hwy speed limits

We live on the Bass Hwy at Detention River and are concerned at the number of trucks travelling at 100+ km an hour in the area from the Hellyer turn-off to the Rocky Cape Tavern. At busy times there could be three trucks parked across the road from the store and more on the store side, plus school buses and store patrons turning in and out. Trucks that are not stopping travel in the middle of the road at full speed to avoid parked trucks. It’s a disaster waiting to happen but State Roads are not interested. We wrote to State Roads to ask them to reduce the speed limit to 80km but they said their reviews showed there was no evidence. They should come and have a look for themselves.

Victoria Cochrane, Hellyer

More public transport needed

Public transport in Hobart is a bus. No choices. More public transport in the Tasmanian capital is needed. The bones of a rail system exist and the Derwent offers ferry routes waiting to be used. Melbourne’s tram system is world class and Hobart-built ferries crisscross Sydney Harbour every day. In the mid-to-long term, ferries, trams and trains are solutions. In the shorter term, encouraging bicycles, scooters and motorcycles is cost effective.

It is true that Hobart’s population is smaller than Melbourne or Sydney’s. It is true that infrastructure costs money. It is also true that Hobart’s traffic congestion problem will get much worse if the majority of commuters continue to use singleoccupant cars to get to and through the CBD.

Review Hobart’s inadequate motorcycle parking areas and plan for secure, free parking for bicycles, scooters and motorcycles at public transport park and ride facilities.

Damien Codognotto, Howrah

Indicators

I am accustomed to the organised turmoil of traffic in Indonesia (though only as a passenger), but still amazed by the inability of Tasmanian drivers to cope with roundabouts and indicators.

Yesterday at the roundabout in West Hobart, waiting to turn right, there were four cars on my right but the fourth had its indicator on to turn left, and I checked that his indicator was still on just as he entered the roundabout. I admit I was a bit frazzled at the return to the usual school-leaving traffic after the recent restrictions, so did not wait as I usually do to make sure the driver’s intentions matched his driving skills.

Clearly not, in his case, as he was astonished that I should enter the roundabout before him, tossing his hands up in the air in puzzlement.

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What is it about indicators that drivers don’t get? Are modern cars no longer provided with the indicator’s sound/light on the dashboard? My car is more than 20 years old, and is quite audible and visible.

I am frustrated at how underrated and poorly applied indicators are, when they are a clear warning to other drivers.

Jo McRae, Mornington

Retesting drivers

Assuming that all car learner drivers are taught good driving habits as opposed to simply trained to pass a driving test, I continue to be horrified at the ineptitude of both new and experienced drivers, of all ages, in implementing even the simplest of road rules and procedures associated with safe driving.

This, evidenced with many other bad driving habits, is to me sufficient cause to introduce periodic and stringent retesting of all drivers. I would suggest every five years to be appropriate.

I am confident getting bad/unsafe drivers off the roads and rigorous good habits/skills development retraining would significantly reduce road safety injuries and fatalities and all of their associated emotional and financial impacts.

John Seaton, Prospect Vale

Bad habits

I totally agree with the MAIB TV promotion that younger and new, inexperienced drivers should get more practical hands-on experience before driving without any supervision. However, my brother has run a driving school for many years interstate. His comment has always been that he often has to spend a lot of time unlearning young and older learner drivers’ bad skills and habits, plus mindset passed on from both family members and other risk takers, who unfortunately pass on incorrect driving skills and non-road rules compliance.

Additionally, has anyone considered that by lowering the speed limit through central Hobart, with vehicles forced to use low gears, what amount of pollution this will cause from exhaust fumes to both the inner city area, and those both working and being a pedestrian there?

David Hayden, Howrah

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