EVEN the greenest, most left-leaning councillors in Newcastle’s council chambers couldn’t help but chuckle when they voted to seek community feedback on a new draft transport strategy.
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Although councillors voted in favour of the plans, the ambitious strategy includes:
■ increasing trips by bike to 5 per cent by 2016
■ doubling the amount of cyclists who ride to work by 2016
■ increase public transport usage for those travelling into the CBD during peak hours to 20 per cent by 2016
■ increasing walking trips to 25 per cent by 2016
■ and increasing public transport use by 400 per cent.
Speaking in favour of the strategy, Councillor Tim Crakanthorp said increasing public transport usage by 400 per cent would be extremely difficult unless the heavy rail line in Newcastle’s CBD was kept open.
The NSW transport department predicts the number of people using public transport near the existing rail corridor will drop off when the rail is truncated on Boxing Day, with only 77 per cent of users expected to jump on a bus or light rail.
The draft strategy also recommends reducing speed limits to 40km/h in residential areas, making it safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
Go online to view the draft strategy at newcastle.nsw.gov.au.
Parking report on cards
A REPORT on parking management in the city centre is expected to be presented ‘‘in the near future’’.
The draft transport strategy highlights that the council is lacking in reliable data on parking demand and the duration of their stay.
The council is also looking to expand parking meters into new areas and consider a ‘‘parking cap’’ on parking spaces in the city.
