Motorists are ignoring no-entry signs to slash travel times by making rat runs across a new bridge that links Rhodes and Wentworth Point in Sydney's west.
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Three weeks after it was opened to cyclists, pedestrians and buses, motorists have been spotted illegally crossing the 300-metre Bennelong Bridge to avoid a round trip of about 8 kilometres between the two suburbs.
Local residents have urged Roads and Maritime Services to fast-track the installation of cameras to deter motorists from crossing the $63 million bridge.
Wentworth Point Community Central president Bronwyn Evans said a few cars had already been seen flouting the rules and crossing the bridge to avoid the round trip.
RMS had also contacted the residents to tell them that it had noticed motorists illegally crossing the bridge, and asked them to discourage the practice via social media.
Ms Evans said the authorities needed to stamp their mark early to ensure that it did not become a habit for motorists. "They really need to get the cameras up and running and fine a few people – there is nothing like fining people to manage behaviour," she said.
"It is happening more in the evening than the morning. Motorists need to obey the rules and not go over the bridge."
RMS said it expected the cameras to be operational by August, while police would target private vehicles, taxis or hire cars illegally using the bridge.
Parliamentary Secretary for Roads John Sidoti said he was concerned the bridge was being used by a small number of motorists who knew they were doing the wrong thing.
"Clear signs and road markings are in place to warn drivers that the bridge is for public transport use only," he said.
"Authorities will continue to enforce the law but hopefully drivers also use common sense."
Motorists who illegally drive in a transit lane across the bridge face a fine of $319 and one demerit point. A company whose vehicle crosses the bridge without a nominated driver can be fined $1595.
Wentworth Point is one of the fast-growing suburbs in Sydney. About 7000 apartments have been built in the new suburb near Olympic Park since early last decade, and a further 6000 to 7000 are still to be constructed.
Road access and public transport is a major issue for residents who have been lobbying for the planned Parramatta light rail line to run across Bennelong Bridge.
The nearby intersection of Homebush Bay Drive and the M4 motorway recently claimed top spot on the list of merge locations on NSW roads where vehicle collisions most frequently occur.
It is only several hundred metres from what has already been dubbed Sydney's worst roundabout, at the intersection of Australia Avenue, Homebush Bay Drive and Underwood Road.
