OPERATION FREEFLOW 2008 gets under way in the capital this weekend when 166 probationary gardaí are drafted in to assist in traffic management in bus lanes, junctions and Dublin city centre.
The annual December ban on non-essential road works is already under way and gardaí have also reminded motorists of the seasonal crackdown on drink driving.
Traffic is to be monitored by the Dublin City Council traffic unit and the Garda traffic control centre in Harcourt Square, which will be connected by a video link.
Gardaí have made a special appeal to Christmas shoppers to use public transport when coming to Dublin. They have also warned shoppers to watch out for pickpockets and thieves.
