Fresh hike in toll road charges sparks anger

BUSINESS bodies and politicians have reacted with anger at the proposed hike in toll road charges by National Toll Roads (NTR).

From 1 January 1, Westlink charges will increase from 1.30 to 1.50 and from 1.30 to 1.35 on the Eastlink.

In 2000 the toll was just short of 90 cent, or 70p in punt terms.

Unconfirmed reports suggest a further 20 cents will be added to the Westlink tariff, as in 2005, as the State moves to earn more from tollsing to boost its expanding funding requirements.

That would push the cost up by 30% from its present rate. NTR was accused yesterday of adding to the cost burdens on businesses at a time when the economy was weak.

The timing was unfortunate given the increased costs imposed in the Budget through through VTR and fuel costs, said Peter Byrne, chief executive of South Dublin Chamber of Commerce.

Instead of imposing higher charges Mr Byrne said NTR should open give free access to commuters and commercial vehicles during peak morning and evening times.

Such a gesture would be huge and which would easee the flow of traffic to a considerable degree.

Mr Byrne said this could be done if the government bore the cost and need not impact on NTR’s profits.

Jim Barry chief executive of NTR said the new charges were part of an agreement with the NRA reached in 2000.

But Mr Byrne argued that the success of the bridges was way beyond the expectations of the operator and he said that they can well afford to stick to the current charges.

Fine Gael’s spokesman on Transport, Denis Naughteon, attacked the increases as inflationary.

“I was stunned to learn today that the National Toll Road company is planning to raise toll charges on the Eastlink and the Westlink roads.”

Deputy Naughten said the higher charges will boost inflation and undermine competitiveness at a time when Irish industry was up against it from overseas competition He warned of impending tolls coming down the line. Deputy Naughten pointed out that the Minister for Finance in his Budget said he was planning to raise 300m in road user charges from 2005 resulting in an outbreak of much higher road tolling for all.