According to the IRHA, the use of barriers at toll booths results in significant diesel wastage and increased emissions due to trucks repeatedly stopping and starting. This not only affects the environment but also causes traffic congestion, air pollution, and costs the rural economy millions in lost competitiveness.
Ger Hyland, President of the IRHA, has called for toll booths to be made barrier-free for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) within 12 months. He argues that this simple change could immediately reduce CO2 emissions by 45,000 tonnes and cut down on the diesel waste generated by trucks idling at tolls.
“Every time a large HGV stops and starts at a toll barrier, it burns up to two litres of diesel, equivalent to 5.08 kilos of CO2,” said Hyland. “With over 24,000 HGVs passing through tolls every day, this adds up to nearly 29,000 kilos of CO2 being generated daily just by the barriers.”
The IRHA also points out the health risks associated with toll booths. Exhaust fumes from idling vehicles contain harmful substances such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and carbon monoxide. These emissions contribute to air pollution and are linked to respiratory diseases. The Royal College of Physicians in the UK estimates that 40,000 deaths annually in the UK are linked to air pollution, with vehicle idling being a significant contributor.
In addition to the environmental and health concerns, the IRHA highlights the financial burden on the haulage industry, which pays over €100,000 in toll fees every day. The association calls for all toll booths in Ireland to be made barrier-free for HGVs, with the exception of the M50, which already operates without barriers.
“The current system is wasting millions of litres of diesel and contributing to traffic congestion,” Hyland said. “We are calling for a simple solution that will reduce emissions, lower costs for the industry, and improve traffic flow.”
The IRHA has warned that if the issue is not addressed, protests at toll booths could occur in the coming months. The association claims that many operators are struggling to stay afloat, with some paying over €20,000 a month in toll fees. Hyland stressed that the current system is unsustainable for the haulage industry and could ultimately harm the wider economy.