For Whom the Bill Tolls

As the countdown to barrier-free tolling commences, new figures have revealed the true 'bill' drivers will face over Ireland's multiplying road toll charges.

Thousands of commuters will have to fork out over €50 in road tolls alone every week, with a commuter's annual toll bill reaching €2,600 as the country's pay-as-you-go roads come into force.

Many drivers will be hit four times throughout the day, paying twice on their way to work and another two on their way home, while any Galway holiday makers, flying out of Dublin will be forking out at three places, at Ballinasloe bypass, the M4 Kinnegad/Kilcock route and on the M50.

Heavy tolls will also be in place at the controversial M3 motorway, through Co Meath. This will have two toll plazas charging €2.80 each, forcing anyone living north of Kells to pay €11.20 daily for a return journey to work in Dublin, or an annual total of over €2,600.

The total cost to motorists for using these roads is expected to exceed €180m a year.

The National Roads Authority have announced the M50 barrier-free tolling is expected to be fully operational by Saturday.

The road is presently one of the most congested in Ireland, as the West Link toll plaza restricts traffic flow.

However, the authority does not expect the change over to be without some challenges.

A spokesman said: "It is not possible to introduce a large and complex system such as barrier-free tolling which will affect 100,000 users per day without some difficulties arising.

"There will be 'teething issues' with the system, there will be a lack of familiarity for most users, and there will be criticism from people who don't want to change to the new payment methods."

(DW)