AA want M50 upgrade to be toll-free

The approval granted today by an Bord Pleannala for the installation of a third lane on the M50 has been welcomed by the AA.

However the motoring organisation has warned that any attempt to install new tolls on the motorway would be a major planning mistake.

Public affairs manager Conor Faughnan said: “The M50 is a vital piece of infrastructure for the capital and indeed for the country.”

“It is by no means the only thing that we need; the development of public transport in the city is also absolutely crucial. But the M50 simply cannot cope with the demands placed on it unless it is upgraded and new capacity added.”

However the AA has warned that if a decision is made to place a new toll on the motorway it would do more harm than good.

“Tolls on busy by-pass roads are a traffic planning own-goal,” says Faughnan.

“We only have to look at the frustration caused by the existing bridge. A new toll on the M50 would cause thousands of vehicles daily to divert onto unsuitable alternative routes and would spread congestion far and wide.”

The project is set to cost €800m and will take at least five years. While this is expensive, the new capacity will lead to increased growth and development and will greatly improve traffic flow.

“The M50 is one piece of the jigsaw,” says Faughnan.

“Other projects like new Luas lines, a rail link to the airport and the development of bus services are just as critical and should also be a Government priority.”