Commuters face chaos as traffic system goes on-line
Dublin Bus sources have predicted the impact of the controversial system will be “disastrous” with bus passengers and motorists travelling in the vicinity of St Stephen’s Green likely to face major confusion and delays.
The alterations to normal traffic flows in the area have been introduced by Dublin City Council in order to improve the road surface on the west side of St Stephen’s Green, which will be closed until the autumn.
The roadworks are likely to last up to three months, according to the local authority, which claimed construction work on the Luas was partially to blame for the problem.
However, the diversions, which will require many motorists to undertake a major detour, are seen by some bodies as badly planned.
“It’s going to be mayhem,” said one Dublin Bus inspector. “It seems that little consideration has been given to the diversions that some buses will take.”
One of the major problem areas is likely to be the result of severe restrictions imposed on traffic using the main thoroughfare of Harcourt Street.
The potential for further delays has been increased due to a new signalling facility which allows Luas drivers to obtain priority over other road vehicles at important junctions.
The use of such a system during a trial period last month caused major traffic delays and led to Dublin Bus lodging a formal complaint with the Railway Procurement Agency.
Last night, AA spokesperson Conor Faughnan admitted that there was the potential for problems with the traffic plan in a number of areas including Hatch Street and Pembroke Street.
However, Mr Faughnan said he believed the changes were likely to lead to an overall improvement for traffic in the area.
Meanwhile, the first real test for the success of Luas comes today when passengers have to buy tickets for the first time.
More than 330,000 people took advantage of the no-fares offer during the first five days of the light-rail services which ended last night.
A Luas spokesperson said extra staff would be at stops on the Sandyford-St Stephen’s Green line today to assist commuters at vending machines.
In an unusual intervention, Justice Minister Michael McDowell has warned the Railway Procurement Agency that he will hold its chief executive, Frank Allen, responsible for any accidents due to inadequate safety measures on the Luas line.
Mr McDowell wrote to Mr Allen about a recent incident in Rathmines in which two children narrowly avoided being hit by a tram.
