Barrier-free M50 will be a bumpy ride

THE National Roads Authority is predicting that thousands of motorists could encounter difficulties with the introduction of barrier-free tolling on the M50 from August 30.

The NRA admitted that it was anticipating “teething problems” with the implementation of the new system as motorists who use the Westlink crossing adapt to the withdrawal of coin payment facilities.

“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,” said NRA spokesman Hugh Creegan.

From midnight on Saturday, August 30, barrier-free tolling will come into effect on the M50 at the location of the existing Westlink toll plaza.

EFlow, as it is called by the NRA, will replace the controversial barriers which many motorists blamed for persistent traffic jams over the past decade on the country’s busiest road. It followed the Government decision to agree a €488 million buyout of the Westlink bridge from its owners, National Toll Roads.

Car drivers passing through the eFlow barrier-free tolling point on the M50 will have to choose from a number of methods to pay tolls ranging from €2-€3 per crossing, with higher charges for other types of vehicles. The current rate is €2 for all cars.

However, the new pricing system has been highly criticised by consumer and motoring organisations as well as opposition politicians and the chairman of the Road Safety Authority Gay Byrne who claim it is highly inefficient.

The NRA said it recognised there will be problems because of the lack of familiarity with the system for most users.

“There will be criticism from people who don’t want to change to the new payment methods,” said Mr Creegan.

“All users will be going through a learning curve. It will take several weeks before the system and M50 users settle into a normal pattern.”

Barrier-free tolling will use the latest technology to record either a driver’s electronic tag or a vehicle’s number plate as they pass through the Westlink crossing.

Motorists can either register for a tag or video account which both allow for pre-pay and post-pay options by using either debit or credit cards.

Alternatively, drivers who do not register will have until 8pm on the following day to pay a €3 “pay as you go” toll either online or through selected stores operating Payzone facilities.

However, they will face additional penalties and potential prosecution (see panel) if payment is not made by this deadline.

The NRA is encouraging motorists to register early for the eFlow system in order to avoid a big rush on the system at the end of the month.

More than 60,000 have registered since the start of a publicity campaign in June. However, it means thousands of motorists who use the M50 toll are still unregistered.

The options open to motorists are:

nDrivers using the Westlink crossing at least twice a month will benefit most from the tag system which charges a €2 toll, although there is also a monthly account charge of €1.

nLess frequent users should register for a video account which will charge a toll of €2.50.

nDrivers already using a tag system provided by operators of other tolls — such as the Directroute tag for the Fermoy by-pass — can use their existing tag which will be recognised by the eFlow system.

nA special 24-hour call centre operated by 400 staff using a Lo-call number 1890-501050 will deal with all queries relating to payments, setting up accounts and the new tolling system.

The NRA claims the removal of the barrier will also improve traffic flows on the M50. However, it stressed the full benefits will only be realised when the complete upgrade of the M50 is finished in 2010.

Nevertheless, the NRA said there should be noticeable improvements in a southbound direction from the Westlink crossing from August 30.

A speed limit of 60km/h will operate at the location of the Westlink crossing for the next few months as the toll plaza is removed. However, a general speed limit of 100km/h with operate along the entire M50 once upgrade works are finished.

Although a maximum speed of 120km/h was previously allowed on sections of the M50, the NRA said it had been reduced for road safety reasons because of increases in weaving traffic since the introduction of three lanes in either direction on parts of the motorway.

lFor more information on the barrier-free tolling system check www.eflow.ie