Traffic plan changes could add days to city commute

PROPOSED changes to traffic flow on the quays could see commuters spending an extra 10 days getting into the city according to a new survey.

The survey by parking and tolling tag provider, easytrip, reveals that motorists are already losing 14 days a year on average commuting into the city centre.

But commuters believe that figure could soar to a miserable 24 days a year sitting in the car if the traffic flow proposals go ahead.

Initial proposals would have seen private cars banned from Eden Quay but even though a revised plan will allow one lane of general traffic from Bachelor’s Walk to Eden Quay and on towards Dublin Port, commuters still fear the worst.

Of those surveyed, 81 per cent commuted to the city centre by car and 73 per cent said that the new quays traffic flow system would affect them. 

More than 50 per cent said the changes would deter them from driving into the city, which would no doubt please campaigners calling for less traffic in the capital.

However, retailers will be alarmed to find that 62 per cent of those surveyed said that the proposed traffic changes would affect their decision to shop in Dublin city.

Worryingly 95 per cent of respondents said they would not buy a high priced item if they did not have their vehicle with them to take it home. 

Motorists also highlighted that they spend extra on food (49 per cent) and refreshments (90 per cent) while shopping in the city.

Colin Delaney, chief executive of easytrip Ireland, said: “Our survey has clearly revealed that these changes will affect drivers and have a significant impact on retailers also.

“Driving into the city centre is the quickest option for many commuters, in particular, as the current public transport network isn’t suitable for their requirements (62 per cent of those surveyed).

“It’s alarming to see that city commuting times total 14 days each year using a car, the mode of transport perceived to be the most efficient option by those surveyed.”

 Mr Delaney added: “Fourteen days is too much and it would be absurd to impose longer travel times on stretched Dublin commuters at a time when the public transport infrastructure required to create an efficient, vibrant city centre, is not in place.”