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Free rides, safer streets, faster commutes, supporting small business

While the City of Melbourne’s streets remain notoriously challenging, Lord Mayoral candidate Jamal Hakim has announced a comprehensive Active Transport Policy, that will transform Melbourne’s streets into safer, efficient, and sustainable spaces for residents, workers, and visitors.  

Emerging from the challenges of recent years, Hakim’s vision for Melbourne focuses on alleviating congestion, encouraging active transport, and creating a healthier urban environment. Key initiatives include enhancing riding lanes, reducing traffic bottlenecks and congestion, new scramble crossings, increasing access to loading zones and advocating for free public transport across the entire network throughout the state during peak hours to bring more people back into the city and relieve congestion. 

“Melbourne deserves a city that works for everyone – from cyclists and pedestrians to families, businesses and daily commuters. Our transport policy is not just about reducing congestion; it’s about making Melbourne a world-class, liveable city. By prioritising active transport, we can reduce road fatalities, ease traffic, and make the city more accessible for all,” he said.  

A Comprehensive Traffic and Congestion Review 

  To address the ongoing issue of traffic bottlenecks, Hakim has pledged to partner with the Victorian government in conducting a city-wide traffic and congestion review. “It’s time we rethink how traffic moves through our city,” he said.   

Hakim’s proposed solutions include diverting heavy vehicles from residential areas, particularly around Southbank, and introducing pedestrian scramble crossings at high-traffic intersections to improve safety and reduce vehicle delays.  

Pedestrian Scramble Crossings: Enhancing Safety and Efficiency 

Melbourne has only one scramble crossing – at Elizabeth and Flinders – and it’s beloved by pedestrians, drivers and cyclists alike because it’s so effective. 

Hakim’s plan includes a recommendation to introduce more pedestrian scramble crossings throughout the CBD, following successful models in cities like Tokyo and London. “These crossings stop vehicle traffic in all directions, allowing pedestrians to cross safely and efficiently. It’s a simple, effective way to reduce bottlenecks and make our streets safer,” he said. “Scramble crossings could mean the difference between one car getting through the light, or smooth traffic movements.” 

Support for Small Businesses: A New Approach to Loading Zones  

Furthermore, small business owners will be major beneficiaries from Hakim’s transport reforms, with a specific focus on improving access to loading zones. His policy proposes a flexible permit system that will make it easier for businesses to manage deliveries without adding to congestion. “By streamlining loading zones, we are helping small businesses thrive while reducing the strain on our streets,” Hakim said. “We’ll look at making more spots available for loading zones and integrate technology to ensure businesses spend more time on the business than worrying about the parking meter.” 

Advocating for Free Public Transport to Reduce Congestion and bring people back 

Move aside free tram zone - in a bold move to ease congestion and boost the city’s daytime recovery, a key part of Hakim’s Active Transport Policy, will be advocating for free public transport across the entire network in Victoria on Mondays and Fridays during peak hours. “Encouraging public transport use is key to unclogging our roads,” Hakim said. “This measure will not only reduce traffic but support local businesses by bringing more people back into the city on workdays.” 

“If the State Government is serious about bringing people back to Melbourne, then it must work with me and the City of Melbourne to make this a reality.” 

Extending the Elizabeth Street Tram: A Solution to Crime and Congestion 

Another key transformative aspect of Hakim’s policy is his proposal to extend the Elizabeth Street tram to Flinders Street. According to Hakim, the area has become a magnet for anti-social behaviour due to its isolation as an end-of-line stop. Extending the tram route will increase foot traffic, reduce crime, and improve public transport connections, aligning with broader goals of congestion relief and urban renewal. 

Riding Lanes: Completing a Safer Network for Active Mobility 

A cornerstone of the policy is a commitment to the city’s protected riding lanes, ensuring that active mobility options like bikes and e-scooter are fully connected and safeguarded by protective barriers. “We will complete the city’s cycling network and make it a viable commuting option for all Melburnians,” Hakim said. These measures include improved lighting, clear signage, and a public education campaign to promote shared road safety. It will also look at ensuring connections make sense and are integrated with the broader transport network. 

According to Hakim, the goal is simple – “to reduce fatalities, ease congestion, and encourage healthier modes of transport.” 

E-Scooter Regulation: Balancing Innovation with Safety 

Hakim’s policy also outlines a clear regulatory framework for e-scooters, addressing the growing demand for micro-mobility solutions. “E-scooters are part of the future of transport, but we need proper regulation,” he said.  His plan includes accountability measures for operators, designated parking locations, and stricter enforcement to ensure safety and order on Melbourne’s streets.  

Improving Accessibility in Public Spaces 

Recognising the importance of inclusivity, Hakim is committed to reviewing public space accessibility, especially around transport hubs. “Nobody should be left behind in our vision for a connected Melbourne,” he said. The policy promises upgrades to footpaths, ramps, and signage, ensuring parents with prams and people with disabilities have equal access to the city’s public spaces. 

The transport plan reflects Hakim’s broader vision for a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant Melbourne. “This isn’ just about infrastructure; it’s about quality of life. Improving mobility and reducing congestion, we can create a city that truly works for everyone – now and into the future.” 

 

ENDS  

    

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