Dublin ban on HGVs to cause traffic delays

MOTORISTS could be facing additional traffic chaos on the already congested M50 from this morning as a new ban on heavy goods vehicles (HGV) in Dublin city centre comes into effect.

All large lorries with five or more axles will no longer be able to access Dublin Port via the Liffey quays between 7am and 7pm under new restrictions imposed by Dublin City Council.

Hauliers and business organisations yesterday warned that the new measures were likely to cause further delays for drivers using the M50, especially at peak periods.

AA Roadwatch has also advised motorists using the M50 today to leave extra time for their journey because of the potential negative effect of the ban on traffic around the city.

The Irish Road Haulage Association, claimed several parts of the council’s HGV strategy for Dublin were “fundamentally flawed.”

“It is an act of folly to put all traffic accessing Dublin Port onto the M50 before the extension of the motorway is completed,” said IRHA spokesperson, Jimmy Quinn. “The M50 is likely to be severely tested, although it’s still bad at the best of times.”

Mr Quinn said the new restrictions were unnecessary as 6,000 of the 7,000 lorries accessing Dublin Port each day were already avoiding the city centre since the opening of the Dublin Port Tunnel last December.

Drivers of large HGVs who drive through a cordon roughly bordered by the Grand Canal and Royal Canal without a valid permit will also face minimum fines of €800 from today.

Permits which must be pre-booked will only be issued to truck drivers making deliveries and collections to city centre locations.

Although permits — which allow hauliers to make five stops — are currently free, a daily charge of €5 will be imposed from May 1.

The new restrictions are part of the council’s plan to ensure maximum use of the Dublin Port Tunnel.

Council officials claim that 1,500 large trucks will be removed from the quays as a result of the measures.

The local authority acknowledges that they will compel a greater number of HGVs to use the M50 to access the €750m tunnel. However, Dublin City Engineer and Director of Traffic, Michael Phillips estimates that the ban will only result in 3% increase in traffic on the M50.

Nevertheless, the number of HGVs using the M50 has already grown by 10% to almost 12,500 per day over the past 12 months.

Gardaí will have responsibility for enforcing the ban on HGVs.