There were 40-minute delays early on Friday morning as cars inched westward along the length of Hastings River Drive. Entering it from side streets was a nightmare.

The Sydney-like traffic snarl must surely have been as frustrating for competitors anxious to get to the grounds on time as it was for residents heading to work, sport, an appointment or to the airport to catch or meet a plane.

Clearly, many people who don’t use Hastings River Drive regularly failed to see the signs on the roadside warning drivers to ‘expect delays’ over the three days until they were trapped in the traffic on Friday morning. (Indeed, ‘expect very, very long delays’ would have been more accurate.)

While delays were probably inevitable, but they could have been reduced. Council now sends a significant proportion of rates notices electronically.

It would have been a simple matter to use SMS or email to advise locals to begin their journey 30 minutes earlier.

Advertisements placed on local TV stations could have welcomed the weekend visitors, while also warning drivers to expect lengthy traffic delays during the early morning and late afternoon ‘peak hours’ on Hastings River Drive. Many locals would simply have avoided the road at those times.

No-one would argue that major sporting and cultural events provide a welcome boost to the local economy, generating jobs and income. But, Council needs to be mindful to mitigate potential negative impacts – such as traffic congestion and excessive noise – on those not taking part.

A comprehensive traffic management strategy, communicated effectively, is just one essential element of professional event planning.

Laurie Sullivan,

Port Macquarie