Commuters who car-pool and leave their vehicles unattended in a risky location could find that their insurance company holds them partly to blame if the car is broken into or stolen, according to AA Ireland.
Conor Faughnan, policy director with AA Ireland, said there was “a serious shortage in Dublin of proper park-and-ride sites”.
In Co Louth, the shortage of park-and-ride facilities means that motorists are leaving their cars parked up on the hard shoulder of roads close to major junctions, sometimes for up to 10 hours a day.
Gardaí in Dundalk have this week warned of a criminal gang that is literally towing away cars.
Supt Gerry Curley in Dundalk said “car pooling makes sense [and] we advise motorists to try to secure their vehicle as much as possible”.
He confirmed gardaí were investigating a number of incidents of car theft.
Given the town’s proximity to the Border, it is thought that the gang involved may be taking cars – usually relatively old vehicles, most likely stolen to be broken down for parts – on both sides of the Border.
Mr Faughnan said: “Car-pooling is to be encouraged, but the person leaving their vehicle behind needs to park it in a sensible place.” An owner not taking reasonable care could see part of their insurance claim being denied, he added.