Car Free Day Condemned by City Centre Businesses
Sunday the 27th of April 2008
The Dublin City Business Association (DCBA) came out strongly today against this Saturday's proposed Car Free Day initiative, claiming that the event is counter productive and badly conceived.
Tom Coffey, CEO of DCBA condemned the initiative
describing it as a 'fig leaf' and a 'sham' in its efforts to move
people to public transport. "If the Government and DTO were serious
about encouraging people to use public transport they would provide
free public transport on the day itself. More and more people are
converting to public transport in Dublin and we believe the more who
try it and see its convenience and effectiveness will convert. However
we need to motivate them to try it and free public transport on the day
is the best way of achieving this. Car Free Day in its current guise is
an example of managing for failure." He said.
The DCBA also called on the Minister to introduce
Benefit in Kind for car parking for public sector employees using free
spaces funded by the tax-payer. Research undertaken by the DCBA shows
that 60% of all commuter and office car parking in Dublin City Centre
is used by Government and Public Sector employees in Dublin City Centre.
The Dublin City Business Association represents the retailers and property owners in Dublin City Centre
The Dublin City Business Association (DCBA) came out strongly today against this Saturday's proposed Car Free Day initiative, claiming that the event is counter productive and badly conceived.
Tom Coffey, CEO of DCBA condemned the initiative describing it as a 'fig leaf' and a 'sham' in its efforts to move people to public transport. "If the Government and DTO were serious about encouraging people to use public transport they would provide free public transport on the day itself. More and more people are converting to public transport in Dublin and we believe the more who try it and see its convenience and effectiveness will convert. However we need to motivate them to try it and free public transport on the day is the best way of achieving this. Car Free Day in its current guise is an example of managing for failure." He said.
The DCBA also called on the Minister to introduce Benefit in Kind for car parking for public sector employees using free spaces funded by the tax-payer. Research undertaken by the DCBA shows that 60% of all commuter and office car parking in Dublin City Centre is used by Government and Public Sector employees in Dublin City Centre.
The Dublin City Business Association represents the retailers and property owners in Dublin City Centre