Sir, – I was surprised to read the headline “Dublin commuters report long delays as car restrictions put in place” (August 22nd). The recent change in lane layout on the north quays has resulted in a 40 per cent reduction in journey time for affected bus commuters, according to Dublin City Council. Bus commuters outnumber motorists 14 to one on the quays between 8am and 9am. – Yours, etc,
MARY O’CONNOR,
Dublin 7.
Sir, – This frustration of those who commute by car is misdirected at Dublin City Council, when it is their fellow motorists who are better placed to alleviate the problem.
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Dublin City Council will inevitably attempt to promote methods of transport which are more efficient in bringing people to the highly congested city centre.
Private cars are the least efficient method possible in terms of road space, parking space, energy consumption and pollution. While there will always be a need for private cars for certain individuals, their present use among city centre commuters is excessive. If the only people insisting on using private cars to commute were those who genuinely could not use other means, be it due to infirmity, distance or a lack of a reasonable public transport alternative, the congestion in the city centre would be a much smaller problem.
The reality is that commuters in areas of Dublin such as my own, which are well served by public transport and within cycling distance of the city centre, continue to drive past the bus stop 10 metres from their front door on their way to work.
Restrictions are only necessary because certain commuters need greater incentives to change their behaviour.
Once they do, the commute will be easier for everyone, including those who need to drive. – Yours, etc,
CHRISTOPHER
McMAHON,
Castleknock, Dublin 15.