Waterford motorists ‘clearly’ breaking rules by using ‘rat run’ to avoid traffic

Some Waterford motorists are “clearly” breaking the rules of the road by using a “rat run” to avoid traffic, a local councillor has said.

The issue was raised by independent councillor Joe Kelly at the November Metropolitan District meeting of Waterford City and County Council.

Cllr Kelly said the issue related to Beau Street in Waterford city, which operates a one-way system that runs from Catherine Street to the Bolton Street carpark.

He stated: “In the last week, I’ve been opposed by people coming in the opposite direction at speed.

“It’s clearly breaking the rule, they’re going the wrong way. I think it’s because of all the general build-up of traffic.

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“They’re trying to use it as a rat run as some way of getting out of the traffic but they’re coming against vehicles that are going in the right direction.”

Cllr Kelly added that the lack of road markings may be adding to the issue.

“I had a look at the markings and they’re very, very faded. If we could have those refreshed to make sure people can see that this is a one way street and you can’t be coming against the traffic, because somebody is going to be injured or killed,” he concluded.

In response to Cllr Kelly, Executive Engineer Alan O’Shea said that the council would report the behaviour to An Garda Síochána.

He also stated that the council will look to update the road markings in the area.