Tasmania Police’s Hobart traffic officers are calling on drivers to pay attention and do their bit to help minimise congestion in the CBD, especially during peak hour traffic.

With the major building and roadwork developments in the CBD, and the increased traffic during peak times, there are some simple things that drivers can do to help keep traffic flowing.

“While the building and roadwork developments around the city may increase traffic congestion, motor vehicle breakdowns and driver inattention are also contributing factors, especially during peak times,” said Acting Inspector Ian Mathewson.

“When traffic is heavy it can be tempting for drivers to do the wrong thing to try and make up time. But this only causes more congestion, more frustration and more delays.

“Since 1 July, over 180 infringement notices have been issued to inattentive drivers in the Hobart area, with the main offences being disobeying traffic lights and road signs, and blocking intersections.

“Drivers who do the wrong thing can expect to receive an infringement or caution notice, or have their vehicle towed from a clearway.”

To help keep the traffic flowing, police ask drivers to:

• Merge correctly and don’t speed up to get in front of other merging cars
• Indicate in plenty of time and also let other cars in when they indicate
• Don’t go through red or amber lights
• Don’t park in clearways
• Pay attention and be ready to drive as soon as the traffic lights turn green
• If your preferred lane is full, choose a different lane and change later
• Wait until the intersection is clear before driving across
• If your motor vehicle breaks down, pull over to the side or do what you can to move out of harm’s way; switch on hazard lights to warn other drivers; ensure you and your passengers are safe; and call for roadside assistance or police if you’re in a dangerous location
• If you’re involved in a minor crash move your car out of the way as soon as possible. Exchange details with the other driver and report it on the Traffic Crash Reporting System available on the Tasmania Police website
• Pedestrians obey traffic signals.