Road deaths toll likely to be higher this year

Gardai expect that final figures will show that about 20 more people will have died on the road this year than in 1996. However, they say the number of fatalities would have been even higher if Operation Lifesaver had not been introduced.

So far, 462 people have been killed in road traffic accidents, compared to 453 last year.

In contrast, road deaths in the period from July to now fell by 10 compared to the same period in 1996. This coincides with the introduction of Operation Lifesaver in counties Louth and Meath and other traffic measures in Dublin and Cork. The number of traffic accidents has remained almost constant - at 414 so far in 1997 - indicating that there have been more multiple car crashes this year.

So far this week, nine people have been killed in accidents on the roads.

Meanwhile, a leading taxi company has issued an unprecedented apology to the public for delays it says are caused by "gridlock" in Dublin's traffic.

National Radio Cabs says it would "dearly love" to be able to provide a more speedy service in the city but its drivers are "thwarted and frustrated at almost every street corner they reach".

"These delays cause National Radio Cabs headaches, they annoy our customers and they are costly to our normally patient drivers," the company says in an advertisement in yesterday's Irish Times.

The Green TD, Mr John Gormley, said Dublin's annual "taxi fiasco" could be solved by issuing licences to private bus companies to operate after 11 p.m. The Automobile Association is warning of heavy traffic on all main roads out of Dublin today as the great return home for Christmas begins.

Motorists are being advised to start their journeys early or to wait until after 3 p.m. when the traffic flows will lessen dramatically during Christmas Eve. However, the AA is hopeful that severe congestion will be avoided. The National Safety Council has repeated its warning to motorists not to drink and drive. So far this December, gardai have arrested 700 people at road traffic checkpoints.

Traffic in Dublin is expected to be heavy today as shoppers seek last-minute bargains. Most of the major roadworks on main routes have been completed in time for the holiday rush, according to AA Roadwatch, which plans to provide its telephone hotline service on Christmas Day this year if weather conditions require it.

A third lane has opened on the Naas Road going outbound between Newlands Cross and Saggart. However, racegoers should note that a one-way system remains in place on Leopardstown Road in Dublin. Traffic flow is westbound only from White's Cross to the Brewery Road.

There are also roadworks on the Balbriggan bypass on the N1 at the Five Roads, about five miles south of Balbriggan. In Cork, there are roadworks at Roches town and single line traffic is in operation on the southern carriageway of the South Ring/Carrigaline Road. There are roadworks on the N8 between Cahir and Mitchelstown, with temporary traffic lights in operation.