Lloyd questions F3 traffic management

Member for Robertson, Mr Jim Lloyd, has questioned the efficiency of traffic management for the F3 following extensive delays last month.

"Like many local motorists who regularly use the F3, I am sick and tired at the lack of accurate information from the newly installed electronic signage," he said.

"What motorists need is not general road safety messages, but up-to-date traffic and incident information.

"The signs are not providing the detailed and current information which I believe motorists expect.

"This was highlighted by a truck accident, where some one-and-a-half hours after the accident the electronic signage at Kariong and along the freeway gave no indication of delays and, even when information was displayed, it read: 'Truck accident one kilometre south of Hawkesbury Bridge - one lane closed'.

"The message gave no indication that there were extensive delays extending for some eight to 10 kilometres and that a better alternative would have been to exit the F3 at the Mt White exit.

"It also needs to be asked why the emergency exit routes were not opened by the RTA during these delays to allow at least some traffic onto the old Pacific Hwy.

"I understand that there are difficulties with the installation and integration of the F3 traffic management system with the Sydney RTA control room and I am concerned that on two separate occasions, appointments to inspect the control room by the F3 forum sub-committee have been cancelled at the last minute.

"I have written to NSW Roads Minister, Mr Carl Scully, expressing my concerns and seeking an urgent explanation of the situation.

"The Federal Government provided $10 million for the RTA to provide an efficient traffic management system.

"As far as I'm concerned, this system of electronic signage and video monitoring is of little value to motorists."