New line markings have been introduced at merge points which can be congestion hotspots on our freeways and highways in peak periods.
To help motorists adjust to new merge line markings we ran a five week education campaign to promote a new and improved way to merge. The campaign featured some of Perth’s cutest toddlers, and the future drivers of tomorrow, teaching us the correct driver behaviour needed to merge safely and efficiently.
Jokes about merging and Western Australian drivers are well known but the reality is that merge points have often been congestion hotspots on our freeways and highways in peak periods. The problem stems from the need for free-flowing traffic to stop to allow for incoming vehicles, causing disruption to speed and traffic flow.
Prior to the dotted line markings at freeway and highway on-ramps, the vehicle in front would have right of way. This could cause confusion over vehicle priority, and created an issue as some drivers would speed to be placed in front.
As part of our Traffic Congestion Management Program we introduced dotted merge lines as a means of overcoming this problem with the aim of improving traffic flow enabling more effective merging. While new to Perth, this new way of merging is common practice in other Australian cities.
The campaign was supported by screenings in petrol stations, radio announcements, social media and portable electronic message signs at busy on-ramps on the freeway. To have another look at the merging message or to see the latest on our Traffic Congestion Management Program visit our website.
