Sir, – It is hard to understand the rationale behind the proposal by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to close all motorway lay-bys to private motorists (“Proposed motorway lay-by ban for most drivers defended by Transport Infrastructure Ireland”, News, November 14th). The case stated for this proposal is the growth in motorway service areas since 2014.
Taking the M6 motorway as an example, just one purpose-built new service area, exclusive of service areas having access from existing junctions, has been added since 2014. On a road of approximately 140km this scarcely amounts to a rapid rate of growth.
It is hard in particular to understand why this proposal is supported by the Road Safety Authority. The body in recent times has run advertisements encouraging drivers to take breaks if they needed a short rest on a long journey. The lay-bys surely had a role in this situation.
One further point in the report is that drivers in lay-bys were not allowed to step out of their vehicles while resting. Surely the whole point of breaks is for drivers to step out of their vehicles, stretch their legs and take a few breaths of fresh air. – Yours, etc,
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MICHAEL WALSH,
Clontarf,
Dublin 3.
Sir, – Has anyone in Transport Infrastructure Ireland ever driven on a motorway with a baby? If they had they would realise that stopping is essential from time to time. Are babies to be banned from motorways, or to be ignored if they are in distress or hungry? A very family-unfriendly move, which I sincerely hope TII will reconsider, for this reason and all the others listed in your article. – Yours, etc,
SINÉAD McGOVERN,
Glasnevin,
Dublin 11.
Sir, – The decision to deny access of cars to lay-bys cannot have been made by anyone who has had any experience of fatigue when driving, or by anyone who cares about the effect of fatigue on drivers. The motorway signs remind us that “Tiredness Kills” and the lay-bys allow us to take heed of that and take a break.
An unnecessary, thoughtless, and dangerous decision. – Yours, etc,
PAUL EGAN,
Foxrock,
Dublin 18.
Sir, – I read with some incredulity about the proposal to exclude private motorists from the use of lay-bys on major road routes. Henceforth these lay-bys are to be used exclusively by State organisations and heavy goods vehicles. The authorities seem to be seeking ways to make it more difficult for the average citizen in their daily lives. I have often pass these lay-bys and have not noticed that they are oversubscribed. God help a family looking for a place to let a young child have a rest stop or a tired motorist wanting a short break. Governments are there to enhance the quality of life of their populations but in recent years this seems to have been turned on its head.
It is time the public put a stop to this nonsense. – Yours, etc,
RAY BASSETT,
Castleknock,
Dublin 15.