[article] Trucks & the port tunnel

NavanJunction1

Actually a letter, rather than an article in today's Irish Times.

Madam, - Trucks using the Dublin Port Tunnel will add just 3 per cent more peak time traffic in each direction at the West Link toll plaza, because a large number of them will go north instead, on the M1, or N1, N2, and N3.

They will not be travelling on the M50 as far as the West Link toll plaza.

The Dublin Port Tunnel will take approximately 9,000 trucks from the port area.

It has been built specifically to benefit the hauliers who need to access the port.

They and the port constitute a vital element of the economy of Dublin city.

The high value we place on their contribution to the economy is being acknowledged by the provision of a four-lane, motorway-quality road that will allow them to travel, free of charge, between the M50 and Dublin Port in around six minutes; saving them time, fuel and the stress and aggravation of negotiating the city streets.

The opening of the Dublin Port Tunnel will also provide Dubliners and those living in local communities with an unprecedented opportunity to enjoy an improved local environment. Pedestrians, cyclists and local communities living in the city will benefit greatly.

No one should underestimate the importance of Dublin having a first-class public domain.

The removal of heavy goods vehicles off the streets, and the management of those remaining, is an essential step if Dublin is to develop this type of domain and compete with other major European cities. - Yours, etc,

MICHAEL PHILLIPS, Dublin City Engineer, Civic Offices, Wood Quay.

BrianD

well said! ABout time DCC started fighting their corner on this issue.

paulm17781

DCC have already backed down.

breakingnews.ie wrote:

Dublin Council compromises on city centre truck ban
24/03/2006 - 08:17:11

Dublin City Council has reportedly compromised on its plan to ban large trucks from the city centre following the opening of the Dublin Port Tunnel.

The council was originally planning to impose a total ban on heavy goods vehicles between 7am and 7pm.

However, reports this morning said it had now decided to recommend that the measure be phased in over two years, pending completion of upgrades to the M50.

The compromise will reportedly allow trucks with four axles to continue using the city centre, while vehicles with five or more axles will still be banned.

The restriction will then be extended to all HGVs once barrier-free tolling is introduced on the M50 in 2008.

BrianD

In fairness, it's a reasonable compromise until the Westlink toll is sorted out. Not ideal but I can understand it.

Nearly all long vehicles have triple axles on the trailer. I hope that DCC will cover themselves for the fact that some trucks when travelling empty will raise one axle off the road meaning that only 4 axles are in contact. I'm sure some driver will try this one on!

Also I think the ban should be 24 hr. Vehicles that need to access the city centre should be on a permit.

murphaph

Yeah it's a reasonable compromise until 2008, considering the govt./NRA are responsible for the M50 upgrade (or lack thereof) and not DCC. I also agree that a total ban with permit exemption should be employed post M50 upgrade. Can you imagine the city on a nice summer's evening at 7pm becoming the old race track for lorries just as people are beginning to socialise of a friday/saturday evening-totally goes against the whole principle of the ban.

Winters

It doesnt go to state the mess the Turnapin interchange is going to create between the opening of the DPT and the completion of the M50 upgrade. The upgrade of that particular junction should have been fast tracked to coincide with the completion of the DPT as in its current operation traffic accessing the DPT from the M50 will encounter 3 sets of traffic lights.

Traffic

BrianD it wont matter if the axel is in contact with the ground or not it will still be classed as a 5 axel HGV