Congestion charges should be considered in Dublin to discourage motorists from travelling into cities as a way to lower traffic and air pollution levels, according to a new report.
The report has found that the cost of congestion is set to approach €2bn annually by the end of the next decade.
The paper was published by Environment Minister Eamon Ryan, and looked at a number of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Irish cities.
An increase in the supply of public transport would be the first response, but the expansion of the DART and MetroLink in Dublin are medium to long-term projects.
It found that “very strong evidence” that congestion charges will result in lower traffic volumes and a reduction in CO2 emissions
The report focuses on reducing emissions and improving air quality.
It states the measure has been implemented in a number of cities around the world and aims to reduce traffic in city centres.
The move was met with “significant public and political opposition" in countries where the charges had been introduced. f
In London, there is a daily charge of around €13 for most motorists if they drive into the city between 7am and 6pm on weekdays.
Environmental commentator, John Gibbons says pedestrianising more streets would be an "even bigger step" towards cleaner and more sustainable cities.
He told Newstalk: “I think Cork actually has taken an even bigger step in recent days with the announcement of the pedestrianisation of 17 of its city centre streets.
"That’s really a recognition that cities are first and foremost for people.
“This isn’t really about a competition between pedestrians, public transport users and car users - at one time or another, we’re all one or other of those things.”
Mr Gibbons highlighted that congestion charges can also lead to an improvement in air quality, reduced noise pollution and reduced CO2 levels.
He explained: “Dublin is a relatively small European city in a lightly populated European country - yet Dublin is the sixth most congested city in Europe.
“Not only that, but there was a study in 2017 showing congestion is costing the city over €1 million a day… and the Department of Transport study found that cost is set to rise to €2 billion a year by 2033.
“The question is can you continue to simply pile more and more vehicles into the cities?”
Other measures investigated in the report was workplace parking levies and support for alternative fuel vehicles.
Around 65% of households use a car and a new transport policy is aimed at reducing it to 45%, according to the Herald.
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