Trams reduce traffic on our roads, so that people can move safely, quickly and easily around our city. In September 2010, as part of the Think Tram program, VicRoads installed four part time tram lanes along High Street.
These part time tram lanes assist trams travelling along High Street in the city bound morning peak direction between Tooronga Road, Malvern and Williams Road, Prahran. The part time tram lanes operate weekdays during clearway hours.
A part time tram lane is a length of tram track that is reserved for trams during certain hours. Part time tram lanes help trams stay on schedule by keeping cars off the tram tracks during peak hours on busy roads where trams are often delayed.
The electronic signs and road markers will flash during the hours that the part time tram lane is in operation. The signs advise drivers that there is a tram lane ahead and to merge into the left lane before the tram only lane.
They are marked by a solid yellow line next to the tram tracks and the hours of operation are displayed on overhead signs. Motorists are not allowed to drive in part time tram lanes during the times specified on the overhead signs.
During clearway times, motorists drive along the kerbside lane which allows the tram to travel in its own lane. Motorists are not permitted to drive in the tram lane. However, motorists may drive in the tram lane to:
- enter or leave the road
- make a right hand turn or
- avoid an obstruction.
These exceptions apply as long as you do not delay a tram or travel in the lane for more than 50 metres.
The clearway changes will help the road network to run smoothly, improving public transport travel times and reliability. These works are about taking practical steps to increase the capacity, frequency, reliability and safety of public transport.
Parking or stopping is not permitted alongside part time tram lanes during clearway times.
Clearways will be strictly enforced and parked cars that are blocking traffic during clearway times will be towed away. VicRoads requests that everyone carefully reads the clearway signs to check the times and ensure they are complying.
Traffic signals will be modified to provide more green time for trams. This will allow trams to travel with minimal delay through intersections. Traffic signal improvements are designed to reduce delays to trams, which will assist tram travel times and reliability.
For further information please contact the Think Tram team:
on 1300 309 571
thinktram@roads.vic.gov.au