As reported by the Irish times, some lorries will be charged €3 extra to drive from Dublin to Galway and back. The President of the IRHA has estimated that the changes could see some hauliers burdened with more than €500 in additional costs per truck over the course of a year.
Tagged goods vehicles weighing between 2,000kg and 10,000kg will pay a maximum of €4.80 to use the M50. Those with video accounts shall pay €5.30, with unregistered vehicles in the same weight range will be charged €5.90. For vehicles weighing over 10,000kg, the equivalent toll fees are €5.90, €6.50 and €7.10 respectively.
The Department of Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland have confirmed that toll increases will go up to their maximum rate due to inflation on the M50 and 8 other routes. However, there will be no increases to the Dublin Port Tunnel toll.
“They will hit between three and four tolls on each journey and will see their annual costs climb by over €500 a year,” Drennan told the Irish Times. “It’s an extra charge on the people living further from Dublin and in particular it discriminates against people in the west.”
Commenting on the impact the more expensive tolls could have on HGV traffic, Paddy Comyn of the AA said:
“I would have concern for the hauliers and for other motorists if professional drivers decide to avoid the tolls on a road like the M50 and use other roads That would lead to much more difficult traffic conditions and have other serious knock-on implications.”
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