Gardai got on their push bikes in Dublin city centre yesterday for the first day of Operation Freeflow 2002.Early indications are that the new measures, designed to ease the flow of traffic in the capital over the festive season, will be effective in relieving congestion, according to a spokesman from the Dublin Transportation Office (DTO).
A unit of the Garda Pedal Cyclists are among 110 extra members of the force who have been drafted in as part of the detailed traffic plan, which runs until January 6th.
In addition, most Luas and non-essential roadworks in the Dublin area have been suspended or will take place at night during the initiative.
Mr Ian McClure of the DTO said that, while the real effects would not be seen until day three or four of the operation, gardaí had already reported an improvement in traffic levels.
"The strict enforcement of traffic regulations brought about by the extra Garda presence is known to be a major contributory factor to the success of the plan," he said.
Garda tow trucks will be sent out where required, with the normal number of Dublin City Council clampers on the prowl to monitor parking violations.
Insp John Twomey said he was "reasonably pleased" with the first day of the plan. "Things are going fine but tomorrow will be the first real test," he said.
This is the seventh year of Operation Freeflow.
Some 134 Garda foot patrols, 54 motorcycles and 10 mobile patrols will be deployed to the city centre to assist with traffic congestion.
The scheme has become "a well-oiled machine", according to Mr Conor Faughnan, AA Roadwatch public affairs director.
"We can be confident that it will work. The two key factors in the success are the additional Garda resources and the suspension of non-essential roadworks. The other measures are peripheral," he said.
Mr Faughnan added that Operation Freeflow acted like "sandbags against the tide", giving some respite from snarl-ups and tailbacks during what is traditionally the busiest month of the year.
"But when the things go back to normal in January we will still have a very busy and congested city. It would be nice to see more Operation Freeflow-style measures in place throughout the year," he said.
A major part of the plan is the improvement of public transport services. Nitelink buses will run every night until January 4th. From Sundays to Wednesdays, they will run at 12.30 a.m., 1.30 a.m., 2.30 a.m. and 4.30 a.m.
Between Thursday and Saturday nights, the buses will run every 20 minutes, from 12.30 a.m. until 4.30 a.m.
Dublin Bus are introducing new fares this morning, with the price of tickets on many routes increasing by an average of 15 per cent.
Late-night Dart services will be in operation from Friday night as part of Operation Freeflow, with security provided on all trains. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays they will run between 1 a.m. and 2.30 a.m.
The public are advised to leave their cars at home if at all possible.
Those with urgent traffic information such as reports of accidents, broken traffic lights or vehicle breakdowns should call the Freeflow Hotline at 1800 293 949. Updates on Operation Freeflow can be found online at: www.freeflow.ie