Clarke Towson, a resident of Melbourne's inner west, has ingeniously set up a livestream camera from his driveway to provide real-time views of the traffic on the West Gate Bridge, which is one of the city’s major infrastructure points. The livestream has attracted nearly 20,000 views within weeks, demonstrating the public's keen interest in traffic conditions and assisting commuters in planning their journeys. This initiative has provided users with the opportunity to monitor both inbound and outbound traffic on the bridge, thereby addressing one of the longstanding questions of how congested the area is during peak hours.

ABC News has analyzed the average travel times on the West Gate Freeway, which incorporates the bridge, revealing that trips during peak hours can take over 25 minutes. This has prompted the local government to promote the use of the recently opened West Gate Tunnel as an alternative route, anticipating a reduction in travel times as commuters adjust to using it. The introduction of this tunnel is seen as a long-term solution to alleviate the persistent traffic issues that have plagued the area for years.

Towson's creative approach not only highlights the potential of community-driven solutions to local traffic problems but also underscores a growing trend where technology and personal initiative can play pivotal roles in urban mobility. As more commuters turn to platforms like this for real-time information, it may encourage local authorities to consider similar innovations for other congested areas in Melbourne.