Dublin deserves a Walking Policy

News

Green Man

The Green Party has accused Dublin City Council of waging war against the pedestrian in Dublin's Inner City.The Green Party's Ciarán Cuffe has criticised Dublin City Council for using heavy handed scare tactics to deter people from walking in the city centre.Ciarán Cuffe, Green Party candidate in the local elections in Dublin's North Inner City stated:"In recent days the City Council has placed messages on their electronic signs around the city stating "Pedestrians are the Single Biggest Group to Die on Dublin's Roads. Think twice before you cross the Road." This type of advertisement sends out all the wrong messages to people who walk on Dublin city streets. What we should have are signs stating "Drivers, Pedestrians are the Single Biggest Group to Die on Dublin's Roads. Slow Down, obey the speed limits."“We should be encouraging pedestrians rather than trying to instil the fear of God in them. Thirty years ago in the UK the Road Safety Authority initiated the infamous "One False Move" Campaign for pedestrian safety. That campaign was rightly criticised for failing to tackle driver behaviour. I am concerned that history is repeating itself and that senior officials in Dublin City Council haven't got the message yet that we must encourage, rather that intimidate pedestrians.Of course we should encourage those who walk to do so safely, but any road safety campaign should primarily tackle driver behaviour as road vehicles are the real danger on the streets of Dublin.Green Party Councillors will ensure that the City Council produces a Walking Policy that promotes, rather than deters pedestrians. Such a policy would include the following elements.1. Expansion of 30 kph speed limits in residential area2. Safe Routes to School3. Longer Green Man time at Pedestrian lights4. Junction narrowing to slow down heavier traffic5. Greater enforcement of speed limits6. Clampdown on vehicles that park on footpaths7. Expansion of Loading Bays in the city centre8. Kerb-dishing to make it easier for wheelchair users and those pushing a buggy9. Pedestrian lights across all legs of junctions10. Expanded use of Zebra crossingsENDS 16Apr14

published

April 16, 2014

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