City Traffic Gridlock shows need for Operation Freeflow

Labour Transport spokesperson, Sen. Kevin Humphreys has said that the city centre traffic chaos this morning due to a signals failure shows once again the urgent need for the reinstatement of Operation Freeflow.

Senator Humphreys said:

“A fortnight ago I raised the need for the reintroduction of Operation Freeflow to deal with the ongoing traffic chaos in Dublin, and many other urban areas in the busy Christmas period.

“With the opening of the new Luas line, heavy traffic and icy conditions, the gridlock this morning demonstrated once again the need for this.

“The events this morning could have been easily predicted, but there have been few efforts to manage the growing traffic volumes, and ensure the rules of the road are being observed.

“In the past, probationary Gardaí from Templemore were drafted into Dublin to ensure that junctions and bus lanes in and around Dublin city centre were policed along with other focused measures.

“Such a measure would have made a huge difference this morning, and ensured that the new Luas line operated smoothly.

“Operation Freeflow was first introduced by then Minister for Environment Brendan Howlin in December 1996 and the key objective was to ensure that traffic laws were enforced such as keeping junctions, bus lanes and yellow boxes clear.

“The Government and relevant authorities including An Garda Síochána and Dublin City Council should now act to ensure for the next fortnight there is a robust plan in place.”