NRA proposes additional tolls for M50

Multiple-point tolling and new variable peak-time pricing would be the best way to manage congestion on the M50, the four local authorities in the Dublin region have been told. At least four new tolling points in addition to the West Link bridge are proposed.

However, Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar last night rejected the recommendations, despite a finding from consultant engineers that congestion on the orbital route will be "commonplace" within 10 years without it.

"I would have a serious problem with the M50 toll being increased at peak times. I do not favour it and I do not think it's a solution. I also do not think multi-point tolling on the M50 is a good idea," the Minister told The Irish Times last night.

Under the multi-point, peak-pricing plan, the cost to motorists of using the M50 would rise from €2.10 to €2.60 at present, to €6 or €7 at peak times; €4.50 or €5.50 at inter-peak periods; and €2 to €3 at off-peak times.

Future solution
Mr Varadkar said extra or peak-time tolls would push M50 traffic on to other roads and through local communities. "At present, congestion is not the problem that it was during the boom, but it will re-emerge as an issue as the economy recovers further. At that point we will need a joined-up solution to deal with congestion across the city, and not just on the M50."

According to Mr Varadkar “any solution must include further improvements in public transport and new cycling facilities, including those set out in the National Transport Authority’s five-year transport plan for greater Dublin which I launched recently”.

According to the report, a multi-point system would be more equal – at present only 39 per cent of users pay a toll – and would address congestion on the full length of the route.

Consultant engineers
The recommendations are contained in the final version of a report into demand management options carried out by consultant engineers Roughan O'Donovan and the AECOM Alliance on behalf of the National Roads Authority.

Carrying out the report was a planning condition of a €1 billion M50 upgrade and its final version strongly favours tolls to help avoid renewed congestion.

A steering group including Dublin city, Fingal, South Dublin and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown county councils, An Bord Pleanála and NRA discussed the report yesterday.

While a draft called for extra tolling points, the final version, based on consultations with the local authorities, added a request for staggered tolls depending on the time of day.

It notes traffic volumes on some parts of the route have increased by 25 per cent since 2010 and that congestion has already started. It says by 2023 more than 40 per cent of the route will have congestion at peak times. Along with longer journey times, this increased congestion is already leading to more collisions.