Shoppers urged to leave cars at home

SHOPPERS SHOULD where possible use public transport to help keep traffic moving in urban centres this Christmas season, according to the Garda.

In Dublin, where Operation Freeflow, the annual ban on non-essential roadworks during December, got under way yesterday, 166 probationary gardaí have been drafted in to supplement the Traffic Corps.

Gardaí also warned motorists that a seasonal clampdown on drink and drug driving is already under way and will be in place until January. A Garda spokesman said mandatory alcohol-testing checkpoints will be held regularly throughout the freeflow period

As part of Operation Lifesaver, which is being run in conjunction with freeflow, checkpoints will particularly target inappropriate driving, excessive speed, failure to use seat belts and heavy goods vehicle offences.

The Garda Traffic Control Centre in Harcourt Square is to be the hub for the daily management of Operation Freeflow in the Dublin region. The centre has live video conferencing with Dublin City Council's traffic centre, in the civic offices on Wood Quay, which will help regulate the flow of traffic throughout the city.

Shoppers should try to use public transport while party-goers should familiarise themselves with the later operating hours of most of the public transport services.

While urban centres outside Dublin do not have an official version of Operation Freeflow, motorists have been warned that Garda Traffic Corps units based in each Garda division will be stepping up enforcement.

The Garda also issued a number of safety tips and warnings about the prevalence of pick-pockets over the festive season. These include:

• be careful when withdrawing money from cash machines;

• take care of bags when in crowed areas. Use a handbag or shoulder bag that can be held securely;

• don't leave luggage or valuables exposed inside a parked car

• don't leave luggage attached to the roof rack ;

• when visiting the city centre area, park your car in one of the controlled car parks and retain the parking ticket on your person;

• always lock your car securely when leaving it unattended.