‘Significantly higher’ traffic volumes on some roads, figures show

Traffic volumes not seen since coronavirus restrictions were introduced have been evident on the State’s main roads and motorways, according to figures from roads manager, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

On the first day of easing lockdown restrictions, vehicle counters set into key national routes and motorways showed increases of up to 38 percent in the morning rush, with vehicle numbers increasing by more then 25 percent across most roads, since one week ago.

TII compares traffic numbers in real time on a daily basis and publishes figures on its webside for vehicle numbers today, on this day last week and on this day last year.

Numbers increased dramatically on Monday between about 20 percent and 38 percent on most routes, when compared to Monday of last week.

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The numbers of cars and vans had not been seen since before restrictions in relation to travel were introduced on March 27th this year.

Following the restrictions traffic volumes fell by about 65-70 percent across the network.

But on Monday traffic volumes were back to about half what they were on this date last year, on average.

A note from TII said an upward trend had been apparent from Tuesday 21st April.

Traffic figures measured from 7am to 10am on Monday showed the highest volumes since the introduction of restrictions in March.

TII traffic counters which can distinguish between lorries and cars recorded:

- On the M50 between the Finglas and Navan junctions traffic volumes rose by 28 percent on last Monday and were down 55 percent on May 18th last year.

- On the M1 south of the Border at Jonesboro, traffic volumes were up 38 percent on last Monday and were down 68 percent on May 18th last year.

- On the M4 between Celbridge and Maynooth the volumes were up 28 percent on last week, and were down 49 percent on 2019.

- Traffic into Galway and Limerick was up by 25 percent each on last week; traffic on the N7 at Citywest heading for Dublin was up 27 percent and traffic on the M11 near Bray was up 32 percent.

TII said Monday’s traffic volume was “significantly higher” than in recent weeks but noted that car numbers were still down by between 49-68 per cent when compared to this time last year.

It comes as the first phase in easing of restrictions came into force from Monday seeing constructions sites and hardware stores reopening, four people being allowed to meet up as well as reopening of beaches, tennis clubs and golf clubs.

Despite the increase in car numbers in certain parts of the country, AA Roadwatch said there had not be a "major surge" in numbers and that traffic on Monday morning remained "far lighter than the normal volume".

AA Roadwatch editor Elaine O’Sullivan said traffic levels in regional cities was very light and that the AA did not envisage any major increase in car use in the coming days.

“We’ll probably see more traffic with the introduction of phase two on June 8th with more people able to go back to work,” she said.

Lauren Olmeda, public affairs assistant with the National Transport Authority (NTA), said it was too early to give exact figures on public transport use this morning, noting that peak times had changed during lockdown with some people travelling in the afternoon and businesses opening at staggered times.

Even as numbers start to go up, the NTA is confident that it can continue to maintain social distancing and accommodate people trying to get to work, said Ms Olmeda.

The NTA will continue to operate a revised timetable for bus, train and tram transport services during the Government’s first phase of lifting restrictions and says extra capacity will be added as required.

From today, the authority is advising all passengers to wear face coverings when using public transport following Government advice that people use facemasks in crowded indoor locations and when on public transportation.

NTA chief executive Anne Graham has also urged people to only use public transport if their “journey is essential” and to otherwise considering cycling or walking to their destination where feasible.

“If public transport is their only option, they should follow public health guidance when travelling,” Ms Graham said.

AA Ireland said last week it expected roads to become busier from May 18th but that commuter behaviour could be “quite a bit different” given the lifestyle changes people have made during lockdown.

In a recent survey of more than 7,000 commuters, AA Ireland found nearly a third of people plan to reduce their car use even after restrictions are eased while 37 per cent said they would limit their use of public transport.

“It is a dilemma,” said director of consumer affairs Conor Faughnan. “For years people have been encouraged not to drive for commuting if possible, and rightly so. But our public transport is going to be challenged by social distancing and it seems that even with best practice applied people will be nervous.”

As long as social distancing remains a part of our way of life, there will be more people working from home and smaller rush hours, said Mr Faughnan. “This, combined with nervousness around using public transport, means that we may be weeks or months away from seeing traffic volumes return to pre-Covid levels.”

AA rescue callouts have started rising in recent days with the group attending an average of 324 breakdowns during weekdays with a peak of 385 breakdowns on Tuesday, May 5th – figures which are more in line with the levels the organisation dealt with before the Covid-19 pandemic.