The City of Gold Coast has approved a new initiative designed to reduce congestion and ensure minor traffic incidents get cleared up quickly.
A six-month trial of a roaming Traffic Response Unit (TRU) to help combat congestion during peak traffic periods is now underway in the City.
Traffic Response Units are “on road” services that provide first response and quick clearance solutions for minor road incidents and breakdowns.
The TRU vehicles are specially equipped to clear incidents and help stranded motorists get out of harm’s way.
The City worked with the State Government to deliver a solution that improves the safety of those involved in incidents or breakdowns, and reduces inconvenience to other motorists caught in congestion.
TRUs provide support to those motorists involved in minor incidents and breakdowns by moving the vehicle out of the traffic lanes, ensuring the site is safe and giving ample warning to fellow road users.
Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) Chief Executive Officer Operations, Glenn Toms, said the RACQ looked forward to working with the City of Gold Coast to help ease congestion on the City’s roads.
“Rapid response to clear minor incidents will go a long way to reducing motorists’ frustration at being stuck in lengthy traffic jams,” Mr Toms said.
Two TRU units currently patrol the state-controlled M1. The trial will involve a third TRU to operate on City-owned roads, including the Gold Coast Highway between Broadbeach and Southport, while additional patrols will also be considered on other high-traffic volume roads.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will coordinate the deployment of TRUs in the Gold Coast region through its 24-hour Traffic Management Centre (TMC) at Nerang.
The six-month trial is costing approximately $110,000 and a further $10,000 for an independent assessment.
The TRU trial is a key challenge identified in the Council’s Gold Coast City Transport Strategy 2031.
