Fares up for passengers as result of traffic delays - Navan taxi driver

A NAVAN taxi driver has claimed traffic congestion and tailbacks in the town is making it extremely difficult to do business and has resulted in passengers paying bigger fares.

Donal Mulcahy said the chaotic traffic situation in Navan has resulted in longer taxi journeys and more expensive fares as well as taxis arriving later than expected.

"It is getting more difficult to do businesses and it is particularly impacting elderly shoppers who are paying increased fares. Many elderly shoppers rely on taxis, they need a door to door service."

Mr Mulcahy warned that new traffic lights at the junction of the LDR4 and the Kells road will cause even more congestion in the town and the proliferation of traffic lights has led to a situation where Navan is "a hostile environment for both motorists and pedestrians."

"Just when you think the traffic cannot get any worse they are now removing the roundabout on the Kells Road / New Road intersection.

"Motorists currently exiting Dean Cogan and wishing to turn right had the option of going left, then around the roundabout and back into town. The removal of the roundabout, will leave "turning right when exiting" Dean Cogan a serious challenge.

"The proliferation of traffic lights is contributing to gridlock, unsafe vehicle and passenger practices and driver frustration.

"The Kells Road / rear of St Pat's intersection is example where there is daily traffic chaos since the introduction of the traffic lights at Bailey Hill.

"Before the introduction of the traffic lights, the builders at Bailey Hill had a temporary exit contoured in a manner that permitted a left turn only, similar to the car park opposite at the park and ride, permitting traffic to flow quite freely. Surely a permanent exit from Bailey Hill (left), constructed as left turn only with the retention of the roundabout on the Kells Road would have negated the need for traffic lights and assisted traffic flow"

Mr Mulcahy said the endless lines of traffic in that area has resulted in motorists doing u-turns and delayed and frustrated passengers and school pupils exiting cars by opening the doors of stationary vehicles stuck in traffic - a regular and dangerous practice.

"We're looking at the possibility of having four sets of traffic lights from the Balmoral junction to the Andy Connolly roundabout. Traffic volumes have increased significantly on the Boreen Keel since the introduction of the lights at Bailey Hill with motorists already using it as an alternative route in an attempt to bypass the mayhem created by the Bailey Hill lights.

He also said the reversal of traffic flow on Ludlow Street had resulted in traffic overload on Watergate Street.

"The benefits of the reversal in easing access for public transport service providers is more than negated for all road users, including public transport service providers when attempting to exit the town."

A spokesperson for Meath Co Council said the completion of the LDR4 later this year is expected to result in a reduction to traffic on the section of the N51 at Dean Cogan Place by approximately 7,000 vehicles per day.

"This reduction in traffic should make it easier for drivers to exit Dean Cogan Place once the new road has been opened to traffic.

"Meath County Council is currently carrying out an Area Based Transport Assessment (ABTA) for Navan.vConsultants have been appointed to conduct this study, which includes an assessment of transport demand and its associated impacts along with identification of requirements, primarily in relation to movement and accessibility.

"The primary objective of an ABTA is to make sure that movement and accessibility of all forms, across all modes of transport, are considered as a key component in the development of areas at a local level.

"This study is currently expected to be completed later this year and as part of this process a draft Local Transport Plan for the town will be published as part of a public consultation phase. The Local Transport Plan will outline proposed transport interventions, objectives and multi-modal mobility strategies for Navan and will include proposals for safe walk and cycle networks, safe active travel connections to schools, the promotion and development of public transport, demand management and behavioural change measures and road infrastructure and traffic management measures.