Traffic Congestion Summary

Traffic congestion occurs when vehicle numbers on road networks exceed capacity, slowing or stopping traffic flow, leading to jams or gridlock and queues.

Greater Dublin Area population: 1.9 million people contributing to increased congestion, especially during rush hours (7-10 AM and 4-7 PM).
Dublin's road layout predates the car, leading to bottlenecks as commuter routes converge near the city center.
Commuters can take up to 90 minutes from Blanchardstown to city center during peak times.
Economic growth (Celtic Tiger from 1995) increased car ownership: 2.8 million cars in 2019, with 1.95 million privately owned.
Rise in heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) transporting imports and exports adds to congestion.

Social, economic, and environmental impacts:
- Noise pollution at peak times affects resident quality of life.
- Increased accident risk, particularly near schools.
- Businesses face profit losses due to higher fuel costs from delays.
- Health issues linked to traffic jams and air pollution, raising lung disease risk in affected populations.

Implementing bans on HGVs in Dublin city center during peak times to reduce congestion.