‘Drivers must heed private car ban’

Drivers need to be more aware of the Patrick Street private car ban or it could be chaos when schools return in September, it has been warned.

A number of private cars were seen driving through the street after the ban came into effect yesterday. From 3pm to 6.30pm, seven days a week, the street gives priority to buses, taxis, emergency vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

The ban returned to Cork’s main street last Thursday following an unsuccessful period earlier this year which was cut short following concerns from traders in the region.

However, Green Party representative Oliver Moran has called for greater awareness from drivers after several videos on Twitter showed private car owners driving down the street yesterday.

“I didn't see any enforcement of the bus lane on Sunday afternoon,” he said.

“And despite the new traffic lights being on, a lot of traffic still drove up Patrick's Street as they are used to.

“The low-key approach of gardaí is definitely better this time around, especially with gardaí on bicycles letting motorists know of the changes on Day 1, but it's important that people get into the routine of knowing Patrick's Street is off-limits to motorists passing through the city during these hours,” added Mr Moran.

“It's only three weeks until the schools are back and it's important that people have the new driving patterns in their minds before then.

“Otherwise, it could be chaos again.” Mr Moran also called on City Council to illustrate the next phases of the city traffic management plan.

“People need to see where this is leading to,” he said.

“Here in the North East ward, a lot of people are scratching their heads about how a two-way MacCurtain's Street will work.

“The same on-the-ground communication needs to happen here so that people know how it's going to be laid out and how it will affect them,” he added.

Traders on or near the street said that the initiative has not had a negative impact on business so far.

Former president of the Cork Business Association (CBA) and famous fishmonger Pat O’Connell said that there seems to be a more positive attitude towards the ban this time around.

“I think this time, people have a better understanding of why it needs to happen and the incentives are working well,” he added.

Meanwhile, Pam O’Regan of Saville Menswear also praised the initiatives that were introduced along with the ban including half-price parking and the Park and Ride which now enters the street.

“So far, so good and we have had a few good days trading,” she said.

“We haven’t noticed a negative impact.

“It’s important that people realise the city centre is open for business during the ban because the last time, there seemed to be a perception that we were closed,” she added.

The CBA said it will continue to assess the feedback it receives from businesses in the area in relation to the reintroduction of the ban.