Sir, – Shane O’Doherty (April 8th) suggests a study to observe the effects of removing the bus lane. There’s no need. On Conyngham Road in Dublin every morning from eight to nine the rules are simply ignored. From my apartment I have a bird’s eye view of the lead-up to the Chesterfield Avenue/Infirmary Road junction. Motorists turning left queue in single file for the lights in the left lane for 300 metres. The effect is not to speed up their own journeys one iota but merely to impede the progress of several buses, each carrying 50 or more passengers.
The selfishness of the car drivers would be blameworthy even if an advantage were gained. But in fact their actions are not just illegal but futile. Fortunately I have other transport options, namely Luas and bicycle. Many do not. Mr O’Doherty’s dismissal of these people on the basis of taxation is obnoxious. Yours, etc,
PAUL KEAN,
Long Meadows Apartments,
Conyngham Road,
Dublin 8
Sir, – I was dismayed to read Shane O’Doherty’s comments on cyclists’ safety. Not only are his remarks objectionable; they also disregard the observable behavior of motorists in Dublin city. Surely I cannot be the only person to have noticed that the number of drivers who treat red traffic lights and pedestrian crossings with nothing but contempt has reached epidemic proportions? Education and enforcement of the rules of the road for all road users are desperately needed, now more than ever. Yours, etc,
GARRET LEDWITH,
Tudor Road,
Ranelagh,
Dublin 6