The Bruce Highway is a vital arterial road in Queensland, connecting communities and facilitating the movement of goods and services across the state. However, the addition of traffic lights on on-ramps between the Pine River and Caboolture, including the Bribie Island exit, has turned into a nightmare for motorists like me. These lights not only disrupt the flow of traffic but also lead to increased fuel consumption, unnecessary delays, and heightened driver frustration.

As a frequent commuter on this stretch of the highway, I've experienced firsthand the chaos and confusion these lights create. Instead of ensuring safety and efficiency, they exacerbate congestion and lead to constant stop-and-go traffic. This is not merely an inconvenience. It's an unnecessary financial burden due to increased fuel consumption and vehicle wear and tear, as well as an environmental issue given the associated rise in emissions.

The argument that these lights are in place for safety reasons doesn't hold up when they're known to cause more accidents and near-misses due to abrupt stops. A study by Main Roads reported a rise in rear-end collisions since their installation—a clear indication that these devices are more hazardous than beneficial.

In reality, these lights appear to be driven by economic interests rather than public safety, ignoring the fact that smoother traffic flow can be achieved through infrastructure improvements and better traffic management strategies. Ramp metering lights often lead to frustration, not safety or efficiency.

We propose an urgent review by the Department of Main Roads in Queensland, incorporating expert opinions from traffic engineers and examining alternative solutions such as improved signage, ramp realignment, or technological solutions like adaptive traffic control. Removing these lights would restore the natural flow of traffic, reduce fuel consumption, and increase overall safety for commuters.

Join me in urging the Queensland Department of Main Roads to remove these unnecessary traffic lights and adopt more effective traffic management solutions on the Bruce Highway. Your signature could be the driving force for change, ensuring a smoother, safer journey for all users of this critical road network. Sign the petition today to make your voice heard and support better solutions for our roads.