TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT - NO LAUGHING MATTER

Todays ABC radio 891 discussion  concerning the proposed re-opening of Barton Road North Adelaide  gave the participants plenty to laugh over; but not so much mirth for people who are concerned with traffic management in Bowden Brompton, where a development plan for the Governments Bowden Urban Village is about to be announced.

Whatever ones’ views on the merits of the Government redevelopment of Bowden South, it is accepted by all that it will generate increased vehicle traffic in the area, on roads that are already expected to carry more traffic than their safe capacity, redevelopment aside..

So to hear  Michael Atkinson promote his  introduction of a private members bill into state parliament aimed at increasing traffic on Hawker Street has a sobering effect.
Quote: MA: "This is principally for people coming up Hawker Street, exercising their traditional right  which they had under Colonel Light’s  original plan for Adelaide until 1987 ..”[loud laughter ]”
(the full transcript can be accessed here”


 Mr Atkinson justifies his Barton Road   campaign (apparently) on principles of 18th century common law regarding traditional rights of way. No mention of the considerable improvement to the 18th century laws developed right here in South Australia  in the ‘Torrens Title’. But even more sobering is the lack of reference to a traffic management study proposed by the Charles Sturt Council., let alone any of the implications of the Bowden Urban Village development more generally. For example, it might be feasible, as the Hassell masterplan originally proposed, to have the tram extended northwards along Chief Street, with the possibility of restoring the original tram way up to North Adelaide, thereby reducing the need for private vehicle trips in the development area, as is Mr Atkinson’s own party policy.

Proposed Chief Street tram extension - artists impression