Congestion charges should be considered in Dublin and Cork according to a new report.
That's to discourage motorists from travelling into cities,
The paper was published by Environment Minister Eamon Ryan.
Also, it looked at a number of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in 5 Irish cities.
Very interesting study from @Dept_Transport on the potential impacts of congestion charges and clean air zones etc. When wider economic impacts considered is this the way forward? https://t.co/yRCKWwQ7WZ pic.twitter.com/ocac6yzeG1
— Brian Caulfield (@brian_caulfield) April 13, 2021
Mixed Views On Congestion Charges
This report looked at reducing emissions and improving air quality.
It found “very strong evidence” that congestion charges result in lower traffic volumes.
Also a reduction in CO2 emissions.
The report noted that such a measure was met with “significant" opposition from the countries in which its already been introduced.
We Are Dublin Town represents businesses in the city centre.
It's Chief Executive Richard Guiney says there are more creative solutions to the issue than levies:
So he wants more "pedestrian zones" in the city.
"Our research shows that the public, by factors of 4 or 5 to one, want that too.
"Almost Certain" We'll See Charges Within 10 Years
However Environmental Journalist John Gibbons says levies are inevitable.
He was asked does he see them being introduced within the next 10 years:
"Almost certainly."
However, he added, he'd like to see us reach a point where, "it's not necessary" because of pedestrianisation.
Other measures investigated in the report was workplace parking levies.
Also support for alternative fuel vehicles was looked at.
You can read the report at this link.
