Wyndham’s traffic congestion could be eased by an overhead light-rail service along the Princes Highway, according to a key speaker invited to the launch of the council’s congestion campaign.
Environmental geographer and sustainability expert Rob Gell sees the solution to Wyndham’s traffic woes in thinking beyond roads and traditional public transport systems.
The former television personality said an overhead light-rail system could be installed along the freeway to the city, while a similar system could be installed in Wyndham to provide travel across the municipality.
Mr Gell will help launch the council’s Get Wyndham Moving campaign on March 20.
RELATED: Fed-up student makes a moving decision
The council last week revealed that 21 of Wyndham’s arterial roads were at, or over, capacity.
While the council has outlined a road solutions wishlist – including state funding for arterial road duplications, construction of the western end of the east-west link, the removal of rail level crossings, and more buses and trains – Mr Gell said a new approach was needed.
“It’s about having a think into the future and not expecting to do what we have always been able to do,” he said. “We’re not living in the 1950s with V8 cars.”
Mr Gell said options for Wyndham included privately funded light-rail systems and the installation of charging stations for electric cars.
RACV traffic manager Dave Jones, who will also speak at the launch, said the rapid development of Point Cook was an example of how not to develop estates.
“We don’t want to repeat the mistakes of Point Cook where connections to the freeway and public transport are inadequate,” he said.
The council is lobbying for $100 million of road works, including arterial road duplications for Dohertys, Palmers, Sayers and Derrimut roads.
The campaign will be launched on March 20 at the Wyndham Civic Centre from 7pm.
