Trial is merging on the ridiculous

Main Roads is trialling new line markings on Kwinana Freeway to improve merging and peak-hour traffic flow.

The modified designs include a broken or dotted line introduced on the merging lane of the northbound on-ramps from Berrigan Drive to Russell Road. The dotted lines indicate to drivers in the merging lane that they must give way to traffic regardless of which vehicle is in front.

Currently, there are no dotted line markings at merge points and motorists must give way to the vehicle in front.

Mr Tallentire believed more education on the current rules was required.

‘Instead of confusing motorists with another set of rules, we should educate them on how the rules we already have should work,’ he said.

‘The new markings will actually change the situation from being a merge to people having to change lanes. The on-ramps will need to be lengthened to enable this to happen effectively and safely.’

Mr Tallentire believed an on-ramp meter, where traffic lights regulate the flow of traffic entering freeways, should be trialled.

‘On-ramp metering would ensure cars are released when there is a gap in the traffic so they can change lanes safely,’ he said.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder said the trial formed part of its traffic congestion management program.

‘This trial is just one initiative as we investigate ways to help keep Perth moving,’ he said.

Mr Nalder said a full evaluation would be undertaken, including a before and after comparison.

Motorists are encouraged to provide feedback at www.mainroads.wa.gov.au