Lifting of lockdown saw traffic volumes soar over Christmas period

Despite the vast reduction in traffic in 2020, there were still eight more deaths on Irish roads than in 2019, or an increase of almost 6%. Picture: Larry Cummins

Traffic built up consistently once restrictions were lifted in the run-up to Christmas, but dropped off dramatically after December 27, official data shows.

According to Central Statistics Office figures, there was an almost 9% increase in Dublin traffic in the week beginning December 6 compared with the previous week, with slightly higher levels in the regions.