Traffic was reduced by up to 18 per cent on the East Link and West Link toll bridges yesterday as 100 toll bridge workers began their strike, but the company hopes to see volumes return to normal today.
While traffic was less than expected on the bridges, there was congestion in parts of Dublin, particularly the city centre during evening rush hour, as drivers sought alternative routes.
The chief executive of National Toll Roads, Mr Jim Barry, urged motorists to return to the East Link and West Link last night. He said the emergency staff could cope, but added that motorists "should have the correct change ready".
The company said its ad-hoc force, ranging from senior executives to receptionists, was coping well. But they could face additional problems tomorrow. SIPTU is expected to instruct other members, including security workers who make daily cash collections from the bridges, to withdraw their co-operation.
Motorists had toll-free driving from 9 p.m. yesterday until 6 a.m. today. The company will review the toll-free hours again today. Mr Barry said that as the company's capacity to cope with the strike continued to improve the hours when the toll booths operate could be extended. However, he also stressed that the company remained available for talks.
Relations so far have been cordial between strikers and management. This is the company's first strike since it was set up 17 years ago and pickets have been given use of premises at the West Link when off picket duty.
But the strikers seemed as determined as Mr Barry to continue their present course of action. Mr Gary Hendrick, a shop steward, said: "Traffic is very light this morning so they could cope. But they are losing money. If it gets busy they won't be able to cope."
The company is offering to reduce the working week from 41 hours to 37.5, which Mr Hendrick accepts is a significant improvement. The real gap between the two sides is on basic pay.
The SIPTU branch secretary, Mr Mick Halpin, said the company claim that his members were earning over £22,000 a year was "a nonsense". The average earnings were around £13,000.