Mixed reaction to introduction of new city traffic overhaul

MOTORISTS had mixed views about Dublin’s new traffic system.

Van driver Peter O’Brien, Phibsboro, said: “I don’t think it will make much of a difference. They are only transferring traffic from one busy street to another busy street. I don’t think it will be a great help overall.”

While he had not studied the new traffic signs in detail he said that what he had seen so far had had him confused.

Margaret Henry, Darndale, said she found no difficulty in reading the signposting but pointed out that her husband was a computer expert and was able to quickly decipher various codes and signs.

However, Ms Henry believed that her father would experience great difficulty with the new signs as would the majority of older people.

John Barry, Raheny, was able to decipher the various signs but believed those unfamiliar with Dublin would have considerable difficulty with the new system and its associated signposting.

He described the new system as “not bad” and traffic had improved. However, the morning rush-hour traffic was still bad.

Nevertheless, in the main, the situation had improved. Mr Barry felt that the explanatory leaflet supplied by the council was difficult to understand and you could easily find yourself travelling around in circles if you followed the directions to the letter.

Van driver Jason Donnelly from Rialto said that he had got through the morning without any bother at 9am.

“It was grand,” he said, “and traffic seemed quite light possibly because the schools have not yet reopened.”

A workman outside Pearse Street Garda Station said that, in the early morning rush hours, there was total confusion and motorists did not seem to know whether they were coming or going.