War on cars

[Comedian]

I'm seeing a pattern in NSW that revolves around directing public money in a way that actively encourages the usage of privately owned motorways. Whether its coincidence or deliberate I don't know but I do know that its a disaster for those who live near the end points of these private motorways.

The gov is waving the flag that says transferred demand but history shows us that is actually induced demand. In the meantime the private motorway corporations and making a fortune

We had a entry/exit point to a tunnel built onto a nearby road. I distinctly don't remember being asked or consultation.

Anyway, so now the road that it exits onto is a more or less permanent traffic jam. The intersections for connecting roads don't cope (intersections don't scale) so now they are the bottle necks. So all our happy motorists bypass them by darting through residential streets. Which means that my neighbourhood becomes a highway when the traffic is bad. No one walks or cycles around here any more. Maybe the tunnel users are better off.

[fat and old]

I'm seeing a pattern in NSW that revolves around directing public money in a way that actively encourages the usage of privately owned motorways. Whether its coincidence or deliberate I don't know but I do know that its a disaster for those who live near the end points of these private motorways.

I cannot remember the exact deal, but in Victoria a common stipulation/contract clause/whatever you call it between the State Gov and Toll road owner is that the Gov is not to build any "competing" roads that could take traffic from the toll road. Not sure if that includes "improvements" to State roads or not. Penalties apply anyway.

On the other hand, when the Tullamarine Fwy from Bell St to the City was given away as part of a sweetheart deal with Citilink Moreland council did all it could to stop the rat runs along and off the main road feeders in it's areas....restrictions on turning, road closures and restricted hours use etc. TBH I never saw nor heard of anyone being penalised for that tho.

[commute]

We really need to see the curriculum of civil and traffic engineering, plus the algorithma in transport departments

Traffic calming was not even covered in my degree. Checked with a colleague from the other uni here in Perth and they said the same thing.

This cross walk is an embarrassment. However driver behaviour and lack of enforcement of road rules by police is also a factor in this.

[familyguy]

driver who mixed up acc and brake pedal are incompetent, but rather than taking them off the road, the industry add safety features,

meanwhile cyclists should immediately banned from the road and footpaths if they did something wrong

https://the-japan-news.com/news/article ... 504?m=jnnl

Toyota Motor Corp. is planning to roll out a new feature aimed at preventing accidents caused by mix-ups between the accelerator and brake pedal, it has been learned.

The new function will suppress engine output if the gas is mistakenly pressed when there is a person in front of the vehicle, thereby preventing sudden acceleration toward pedestrians. According to sources, it may be added before the end of the year to vehicles that have already been sold to customers.

Heard on the radio that there was an electric car coming out that only has one pedal. Take your foot of the pedal and it brakes. Haven't seen any articles on it

Really? I can see this being responsible for some carnage. People tend to instinctively press down on a brake pedal to stop. Now they'll mash the accelerator and just plow forward? This will take some 1984 style re-education.

[Mulger bill]

I'm seeing a pattern in NSW that revolves around directing public money in a way that actively encourages the usage of privately owned motorways. Whether its coincidence or deliberate I don't know but I do know that its a disaster for those who live near the end points of these private motorways.

I cannot remember the exact deal, but in Victoria a common stipulation/contract clause/whatever you call it between the State Gov and Toll road owner is that the Gov is not to build any "competing" roads that could take traffic from the toll road. Not sure if that includes "improvements" to State roads or not. Penalties apply anyway.

On the other hand, when the Tullamarine Fwy from Bell St to the City was given away as part of a sweetheart deal with Citilink Moreland council did all it could to stop the rat runs along and off the main road feeders in it's areas....restrictions on turning, road closures and restricted hours use etc. TBH I never saw nor heard of anyone being penalised for that tho.

Airport rail...

[mikesbytes]

I'm seeing a pattern in NSW that revolves around directing public money in a way that actively encourages the usage of privately owned motorways. Whether its coincidence or deliberate I don't know but I do know that its a disaster for those who live near the end points of these private motorways.

I cannot remember the exact deal, but in Victoria a common stipulation/contract clause/whatever you call it between the State Gov and Toll road owner is that the Gov is not to build any "competing" roads that could take traffic from the toll road. Not sure if that includes "improvements" to State roads or not. Penalties apply anyway.

On the other hand, when the Tullamarine Fwy from Bell St to the City was given away as part of a sweetheart deal with Citilink Moreland council did all it could to stop the rat runs along and off the main road feeders in it's areas....restrictions on turning, road closures and restricted hours use etc. TBH I never saw nor heard of anyone being penalised for that tho.

Airport rail...

Is the Airport rail a threat to the profits of the private motorways?

[fat and old]

I cannot remember the exact deal, but in Victoria a common stipulation/contract clause/whatever you call it between the State Gov and Toll road owner is that the Gov is not to build any "competing" roads that could take traffic from the toll road. Not sure if that includes "improvements" to State roads or not. Penalties apply anyway.

On the other hand, when the Tullamarine Fwy from Bell St to the City was given away as part of a sweetheart deal with Citilink Moreland council did all it could to stop the rat runs along and off the main road feeders in it's areas....restrictions on turning, road closures and restricted hours use etc. TBH I never saw nor heard of anyone being penalised for that tho.

Airport rail...

Is the Airport rail a threat to the profits of the private motorways?

The toll road is the only direct link to the city, so yes. However:

https://www.ptua.org.au/myths/citylink/

In short, passenger trains ok, freight not ok.

Interesting reference to your M2 road in there!

[warthog1]

Is the Airport rail a threat to the profits of the private motorways?

It will reduce traffic somewhat I imagine, the road is tolled only a part of the way depending on which way you come.
It will hit the airport operator who will be less able to bend people over for parking fees.
They will make less from taxi permits also.
There is also an airport specific bus service who will lose out.

[mikesbytes]

Airport rail...

Is the Airport rail a threat to the profits of the private motorways?

The toll road is the only direct link to the city, so yes. However:

https://www.ptua.org.au/myths/citylink/

In short, passenger trains ok, freight not ok.

Interesting reference to your M2 road in there!

So it seems that Vic might as well go ahead and build the rail link, though it can't use it for freight.

With most of the motorways in Sydney owned by the same company, I'd bet that there was some kind of unspoken deal that traded the impact of the new rail line with some other initiative, such as something to do with Westconnex for example.

[opik_bidin]

pay for the roads you use, as the taxes aren't enough. With induced demand and with so many SUVs which are heavier and damage the road more, I think the tolled roads will increase


https://www.smh.com.au/business/compani ... s_business


The number of motorists using the new M4 tunnels under Sydney's inner west has been higher than expected in the weeks since they were opened last month, toll road operator Transurban says.

Weekday trips through the 5.5-kilometre twin tunnels – the first major stage of the $16.8 billion WestConnex toll road – from Homebush to Haberfield have averaged 82,000.

Traffic on the new M4 East has been higher than Transurban expected.

The 22-kilometre toll road will be folded into WestConnex at the end of 2026, meaning the tolling regime will be extended on that section of motorway until 2060.

[opik_bidin]

so now, closing the crosswalk, Be thankful in NSW you only get "Look before you step out"

https://bikeportland.org/2019/08/29/as- ... alk-304122



As we reported last month, readers have been noticing “No Crossing” signs all over town. The signs are being erected by both the City of Portland (a newly-crowned Platinum Walk Friendly City) and Oregon Department of Transportation.

In Oregon we’ve had it drilled into our heads that “every intersection is a crosswalk.” It turns out that’s not exactly true. With each new pair of these signs that go up, we lose another legal crosswalk.

[opik_bidin]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/ ... ur-cities/

Rekindling Americans’ love for the bicycle may seem far-fetched today, but gradual policy changes, along with a return to human-scale urban design, would make this revival possible over the long term. The embrace of the automobile at the expense of the bicycle shows such a transition is possible: If Americans come to believe a different mode of transportation will improve their lives, then they have proved willing to junk a widespread, popular method.

[opik_bidin]

https://www.bicycles.net.au/forums/view ... &start=300

GoGet’s transport planner, Josh Brydges, believes that one “little known rule” in the City of Sydney could be playing a big part in helping residents decide to ditch their cars.The rule says that any resident in an apartment built after 1996 is ineligible for an on-street parking permit. However, car sharing services get guaranteed on-street parking spots.

“What we’re seeing is that as the cost of living increases despite wage stagnation, they’re preferencing on-demand access over private ownership,” says Brydges.

“Investments of thousands of dollars into an asset, particularly one that depreciates over time like a car does, are becoming increasingly hard to justify.

“It’s estimated owning a car can cost up to $6000 annually between rego, petrol, insurance and other expenses and everyone from singles to families are keen to avoid that cost where they can — let alone paying for a vehicle that depreciates in value the moment it hits the road.”

GoGet claims this isn’t just a concern for low and middle income earners, as more than a third of its members earn more than $100,000.

https://www.news.com.au/technology/inno ... 2b699a6af0

If you do a dozen 30-minute trips a week, owning a car is the best option costing about $5100 a year.

This price was calculated using a car valued at $10,000 with the full cost financed over five years plus the addition of running costs including petrol and servicing.

Using your car consistently makes it a better value proposition with GoGet costing about $6700 for the same 12 trips and uber an astonishingly high $21,000.

However, there is bad news for those that rarely drive their car. If you make just two 30-minute trips a week, GoGet is by far the cheapest option costing just $1300 a year. Surprisingly Uber is the next most affordable at $3500 while owning you own car will set you back about $4100.

Even if you take six 30-minute trips a week, GoGet is still the cheapest at $3500, while owning you own car ($4500) becomes more affordable than Uber ($10,700).

[opik_bidin]

Brought to you by the motoring lobby to drive sales up?

https://www.facebook.com/7NEWSsydney/vi ... 1857055702

Parents of young drivers are being urged to avoid buying them older cars - a major cause of carnage on our roads.

The NRMA has released research showing which models are safe, and which can be death traps.

More: 7news.link/fFE3sF

[warthog1]

Brought to you by the motoring lobby to drive sales up?

https://www.facebook.com/7NEWSsydney/vi ... 1857055702

Parents of young drivers are being urged to avoid buying them older cars - a major cause of carnage on our roads.

The NRMA has released research showing which models are safe, and which can be death traps.

More: 7news.link/fFE3sF

Can you clarify what point you are making here?
Second hand cars with side airbags and other safety features can be had now.
My kids are 18 and 19, so licence age.
Statistically their first years behind the wheel are the most dangerous.
I attempt to mitigate it by teaching safe driving practices, however the danger cannot be eliminated.
They will not be driving a car without side airbags.
I have seen numerous examples of their efficacy in injury protection.
Absolutely and unequivocally they are a life saver.

[fat and old]

Can you clarify what point you are making here?

Conspiracy! Although there is some truth to that theory. I don't believe for a minute that the NRMA isn't shilling for the manufacturers to some extent.

I sort of went the other way with my second son....gave him my old Hilux. Fully armoured, battle scarred, absolutely reliable and roadworthy. Theory was people would think twice before trying to chop him up. It worked. Until it was stolen . Got it back, took it back and bought him a new Mazda3. Next car's his problem.

Nothing wrong with being in an old four wheel drive if a new buzzbox hits you!

[opik_bidin]

Brought to you by the motoring lobby to drive sales up?

https://www.facebook.com/7NEWSsydney/vi ... 1857055702

Parents of young drivers are being urged to avoid buying them older cars - a major cause of carnage on our roads.

The NRMA has released research showing which models are safe, and which can be death traps.

More: 7news.link/fFE3sF

Can you clarify what point you are making here?
Second hand cars with side airbags and other safety features can be had now.
My kids are 18 and 19, so licence age.
Statistically their first years behind the wheel are the most dangerous.
I attempt to mitigate it by teaching safe driving practices, however the danger cannot be eliminated.
They will not be driving a car without side airbags.
I have seen numerous examples of their efficacy in injury protection.
Absolutely and unequivocally they are a life saver.

1. car sales is falling
2. older cars are shown to be unsafe
3. n the name of safety, push newer cars.

However, I think there is a blind spot regarding the ones not in the motorised vehicle. Blind spots are larger, power and speed are higher.

[warthog1]

Can you clarify what point you are making here?

Conspiracy! Although there is some truth to that theory. I don't believe for a minute that the NRMA isn't shilling for the manufacturers to some extent.

I sort of went the other way with my second son....gave him my old Hilux. Fully armoured, battle scarred, absolutely reliable and roadworthy. Theory was people would think twice before trying to chop him up. It worked. Until it was stolen . Got it back, took it back and bought him a new Mazda3. Next car's his problem.

Nothing wrong with being in an old four wheel drive if a new buzzbox hits you!

They are still in trouble if they hit something immovable (tree,pole etc) or something bigger hits them.
I went to a VW tiguan hit by a skip bin truck that went through a red light and t-boned the VW in the driver's door.
Pushed the car side ways and took out the lights on the other side of the intersection.
The 18 year old driver self extricated (side airbags) mum in the front passenger seat had a fractured clavicle from impact with him I think.
Without side airbags he was toast I believe.

Edit: cbfed with photos on this site now.
Airbags are good anyway.

[warthog1]

1. car sales is falling
2. older cars are shown to be unsafe
3. n the name of safety, push newer cars.

However, I think there is a blind spot regarding the ones not in the motorised vehicle. Blind spots are larger, power and speed are higher.

Are car sales falling? Dunno.
They are in the businesss of selling cars.
Newer cars are safer so it is an effective and (for once honest) marketing strategy I don't have a problem with.

[opik_bidin]

1. car sales is falling
2. older cars are shown to be unsafe
3. n the name of safety, push newer cars.

However, I think there is a blind spot regarding the ones not in the motorised vehicle. Blind spots are larger, power and speed are higher.

Are car sales falling? Dunno.
They are in the businesss of selling cars.
Newer cars are safer so it is an effective and (for once honest) marketing strategy I don't have a problem with.

https://www.afr.com/companies/transport ... 904-p52nr0

New vehicle sales in Australia plunged by 10.1 per cent in August as buyers struggled to obtain finance for cars, extending an industry-wide malaise which has gripped the sector for 17 consecutive months.
--------------------------

safer for the insiders, most are more dangerous for the outsiders
and if you wanna be safe, you can have the racer suit and helmet, proven by , nascar, F1 and Moto GP racers to decrease risk and save lives

[fat and old]

and if you wanna be safe, you can have the racer suit and helmet, proven by , nascar, F1 and Moto GP racers to decrease risk and save lives

Take MotoGP out of the equation....although the airbag sorta counts towards this.....and what a lot of bollocks You have to fact check before you make statements like this mate. Or employ the omo. Or something.

Roll cage.

[fat and old]

Can you clarify what point you are making here?

Conspiracy! Although there is some truth to that theory. I don't believe for a minute that the NRMA isn't shilling for the manufacturers to some extent.

I sort of went the other way with my second son....gave him my old Hilux. Fully armoured, battle scarred, absolutely reliable and roadworthy. Theory was people would think twice before trying to chop him up. It worked. Until it was stolen . Got it back, took it back and bought him a new Mazda3. Next car's his problem.

Nothing wrong with being in an old four wheel drive if a new buzzbox hits you!

They are still in trouble if they hit something immovable (tree,pole etc) or something bigger hits them.
I went to a VW tiguan hit by a skip bin truck that went through a red light and t-boned the VW in the driver's door.
Pushed the car side ways and took out the lights on the other side of the intersection.
The 18 year old driver self extricated (side airbags) mum in the front passenger seat had a fractured clavicle from impact with him I think.
Without side airbags he was toast I believe.

Edit: cbfed with photos on this site now.
Airbags are good anyway.

I don't doubt you. The Maz3 has copious airbags.

[warthog1]

https://www.afr.com/companies/transport ... 904-p52nr0

New vehicle sales in Australia plunged by 10.1 per cent in August as buyers struggled to obtain finance for cars, extending an industry-wide malaise which has gripped the sector for 17 consecutive months.
--------------------------

safer for the insiders, most are more dangerous for the outsiders
and if you wanna be safe, you can have the racer suit and helmet, proven by , nascar, F1 and Moto GP racers to decrease risk and save lives

1 months of sales.
I cycle with a few in the financial sector, they believe a recession is coming.
No wages growth, prices are rising and people are highly mortgaged. I am no financial expert but I don't disagree with them.
Less money to spend well you don't buy a new car.

The bit in bold is incorrect. Ancap safety ratings include harm caused to pedestrians and vulnerable road users in the event of a collision.
https://www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings-explained
Our star ratings indicate the level of safety a vehicle provides for occupants and pedestrians in the event of a crash, as well as its ability — through technology — to avoid or minimise the effects of a crash.

ANCAP safety rating assessments extend beyond occupant protection and also look at the likely injury effect on pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. Pedestrian dummies are used to assist vehicle manufacturers develop more 'pedestrian -friendly' vehicle designs.

Newer cars are designed to mitigate injury in a pedestrian impact.

[warthog1]

I don't doubt you. The Maz3 has copious airbags.

I posted a photo of a mazda 3 that had hit a large gum tree. The airbags def did their job.
She'd have been toast without them.
Bloody flickr link that didn't appear to work on my phone.

[bychosis]

... airbags...
Absolutely and unequivocally they are a life saver.

Like bike helmets save lives?

Just being facetious really. Years ago We did upgrade to a car with airbags and abs brakes after a friend walked away from a nasty crash with a minor burn on his thumb from the airbag gasses. Given the option I’d have the extra safety features.