Some road tolls to rise by 10 cent in new year

MOTORWAY TOLLS are set to rise in the new year as increases in the consumer price index allow a range of operators to add 10 cent to the charge for most vehicles.

On the M50, the increase will only apply to goods vehicles, bringing rates back into line with charges that were in place in 2009.

According to the National Roads Authority, the toll for goods vehicles will rise by 10 cent, restoring it to the 2009 rate after a deflationary decrease last year.

Passenger car rates for the M50 are to remain unchanged for next year.

However, The Irish Times has learned that the consumer price index will also allow other toll operators to increase charges from January 1st, based on the same formula.

These tolls include the M1 Dundalk; M8 Rathcormac/Fermoy; M6 Galway to Ballinasloe; and N25 Waterford, where charges may increase by 10 cent.

On the N18 Limerick tunnel, the agreement will allow operators to increase charges by 10 cent on two-, three- and four-axle vehicles. On the M3, the agreement will allow the same increase for cars, long goods vehicles and buses, as well as two-, three- and four-axle vehicles.

On the M4 between Kinnegad and Kilcock, toll charges may rise by 10 cent for cars, long goods vehicles and buses, as well as two-, three- and four-axle vehicles.

In some categories, these increases would still be below 2009 rates.

On the M7 at Portlaoise, two-, three- and four-axle vehicles may also face a 10 cent increase.

An NRA spokesman confirmed the increases for goods vehicles on the M50 but said the authority could not comment on other toll operators’ intentions. Under the agreement, the private operators of tolls may decide not to impose the increases. Announcements are expected within days.

The Department of Transport is also looking at introducing “distance tolling” on the M50 and new tolls on the Jack Lynch tunnel in Cork.

Separately, Taoiseach Enda Kenny yesterday announced “symposiums” on the possibility of extending the public bicycle scheme to Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.