It is that time of year when, with much hype and anticipation, Dublin prepares for a Christmas spending spree. Special efforts will be made by the Garda Síochána, by the Dublin Transport Office, by local authorities and transport providers to facilitate both consumers and business interests in the coming weeks.
In order to keep traffic moving into and out of the city, extra gardaí have been allocated to police traffic black spots; public transport services will be expanded and five park-and-ride facilities will be provided on the outskirts of the city.
Operation Freeflow has been with us for 10 years. And, each year, the quality of life for commuters and shoppers - along with safety on the roads - improves for a short time because of the enforcement of our traffic laws and the introduction of late night transport services that are the norm in other capital cities. It raises the question of why this should be a temporary arrangement, when the benefits of freeflow should be obvious to all? The same, skewed approach is reflected in an anti-drink driving campaign planned by the Garda Síochána for the Christmas period. Last week, the chairman of the National Road Safety Council, Eddie Shaw, resigned his position in despair because of his inability to convince the Government to invest in its own road safety policies. A shortage of funding for administrative infrastructure was particularly acute. And inadequate Garda traffic involvement was reflected by the near-contempt of motorists for the rules of the road.
Operation Freeflow will involve stationing 140 newly-trained gardaí at known traffic black spots throughout Dublin. At many of these locations, gridlock is caused when motorists block junctions by stopping illegally on yellow boxes. The mere presence of a member of the Garda should prevent that happening. And, where build-ups occur, gardaí will manually direct traffic flows.
This policing activity is to be welcomed. But it is a sticking-plaster approach. Government Ministers promised to introduce speed cameras six years ago. When they finally get around to it, they might consider installing cameras at traffic black spots in our major cities. It would ease traffic. Only the threat of detection and punishment will cause motorists to obey the law.
An expansion of late night bus and rail services will encourage people to leave their cars at home during the festive season. Park-and-ride centres will facilitate day shoppers. Traffic updates will be provided on radio. And non-essential road works have been suspended. The various measures will provide welcome, if limited, relief for commuters and Christmas shoppers. But why shouldn't freeflow operate for the rest of the year?