In recent years, the volume of traffic on Irish roads has increased significantly. This has brought with it a range of issues, from increased congestion and longer journey times, to higher levels of air pollution and more road accidents. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the factors driving this trend and what can be done to manage it.

Firstly, let’s look at the numbers. According to the National Transport Authority, the volume of motorised traffic on Irish roads increased by 4.4% between 2019 and 2020, with over 3.2 billion vehicle kilometres travelled in total. This trend has been ongoing for some time, with a 23% increase in traffic volume observed between 2010 and 2019.

There are several factors contributing to this increase. Firstly, Ireland’s economy has been growing steadily over the past decade, which has led to increased car ownership and use. More people are now commuting to work, driving to schools and universities, and using their cars for leisure activities.

Another factor is the growth of online shopping and home delivery services. As more people shop online and have goods delivered to their homes, there has been an increase in the number of delivery vehicles on Irish roads, which adds to traffic congestion and pollution.

Furthermore, there has been a significant increase in the number of tourists visiting Ireland in recent years. In 2019, the country welcomed over 11 million visitors, many of whom chose to travel by car. This has led to a further increase in traffic volume on our roads.

So, what can be done to manage this trend? One possible solution is to invest in public transport infrastructure. By providing high-quality and affordable alternatives to driving, more people may be encouraged to use public transport for their daily journeys. This could include improved bus and rail services, as well as the development of new cycling and walking routes.

Another option is to promote the use of electric vehicles. As these become more affordable and accessible, they could become a viable alternative to petrol and diesel cars, with the added benefit of reducing air pollution.

Finally, local authorities could also consider introducing congestion charging schemes or other measures to discourage car use in urban areas. These could include increasing parking charges or restricting access to certain parts of cities for non-essential vehicles.

The increase in traffic volume on Irish roads is a significant issue that needs to be addressed. While there is no single solution, a range of measures can be implemented to manage this trend, including investing in public transport, promoting electric vehicles, and introducing congestion charging schemes. By taking a coordinated and strategic approach, we can ensure that our roads remain safe and efficient for everyone.