The new traffic lay out at Bachelor’s Walk and O’Connell St Photo: Frank McGrath
More private cars were spotted on Dublin’s Quays this morning than yesterday, but the new traffic restrictions aimed at curbing people driving through the city were still showing signs of success.
Bad weather, and the fact that more schools opened today and there were probably more workers on the move, could have contributed to an apparent increase in car numbers, but traffic was still flowing freely compared to before the restrictions were enforced on Sunday.
And while the vast majority of motorists adhered to the new rules which stops them driving from Bachelor’s Walk to Eden Quay, and from Burgh Quay to Aston Quay, there was still a number of drivers who cut in front of public transport and cyclists to carry-on up or down the Quays.
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – August 27th
Staff from Dublin City Council were on hand to direct motorists, who may have been confused despite ample large signs and traffic cones, into the correct lane, but there were no gardai present to discourage drivers from ignoring the new rules.
A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said a “period of familiarisation will be required and allowed as the travelling public get used to the traffic flow arrangements”.
“An Garda Siochana, along with other key stakeholders, have regular engagement with Dublin City Council on traffic management in Dublin City, and will continue to liaise with Dublin City Council on the implementation of the traffic management changes,” they added.
The new restrictions are in force between 7am and 7pm and Dublin City Council has said the traffic management plan is working well.
Head of technical services for Dublin City Council, Brendan O’Brien, said there is definitely a reduction in private motorists using the Quays.
“People have taken notice and taken alternative routes, and the plan is to encourage people to travel at a different time or take a different route or journey if they are coming through the city,” he said.
“It’s still early days but our traffic monitoring didn’t encounter any new pinch-points being flagged.”
“We will be keeping a close eye on the level of compliance and consulting with gardai on it over time,” he added.
