Irish Independent

Lighter traffic on Dublin quays but some flout new rules

New traffic restrictio­ns in Dublin appear to have significan­tly reduced the number of private vehicles using the quays.

But a lack of gardaí at O’Connell Bridge on the first workday morning of the changes meant many motorists took their chances and ignored the new rules yesterday.

From last Sunday, between the hours of 7am and 7pm, private traffic and commercial vehicles travelling down Bachelor’s Walk on the north side of the Liffey can no longer drive straight on to Eden Quay at O’Connell Bridge.

Private traffic on the south side cannot drive straight on from Burgh Quay to Aston Quay.

But yesterday morning was the first real test of the new restrictio­ns with the start of the working week and many schools opening again after the summer holidays.

There was a noticeable visual reduction in private cars using the quays as a result, which left the way clear for public transport to move freely.

The majority of private traffic did obey the new rules when they came to O’Connell Bridge, but many private vehicles broke the new rules despite numerous large signs and traffic cones directing them on the correct route.

The situation was the same at lunchtime, with traffic relatively light on the quays. However, again many private motorists barrelled straight on at O’Connell Bridge when they should have turned.

Head of technical services for Dublin City Council, Brendan O’Brien said the system is working quite well and there is definitely a reduction in private motorists using the quays.

Asked about the numbers of people who were not adhering to the new rules, Mr O’Brien said such activity can be dangerous as well as illegal.

“We would hope that if people did drive straight on when they shouldn’t have it was because they panicked because they are not used to the new system, and that they won’t do it again.”

There were no gardaí visible to direct motorists or stop those who flouted the new rules between 7am and 9am. But later in the day, gardaí could be seen stopping errant motorists to remind them of the changes.

A garda spokespers­on said: “Dublin City Council is responsibl­e for the implementa­tion of the Dublin City centre traffic plan.

“An Garda Síochána will continue to liaise with Dublin City Council on the implementa­tion of the traffic management changes.

“A period of familiaris­ation will be required and allowed as the travelling public get used to the traffic flow arrangemen­ts.”