Hauliers lift threat of protests at road tolls and set up task force

Threatened nationwide road protests by hauliers in response to the rising costs of road tolls were averted yesterday after they agreed to set up a task force on the issue.

At the annual Irish Road Hauliers Association (IRHA) conference in Bunratty, Co Clare, the Dublin branch of the IRHA tabled a motion calling for the nationwide protest. However, the hauliers agreed to put a stay on any protest and instead establish a task force to examine all their options.

Director of communications with the IRHA, Mr Jimmy Quinn, said yesterday: "It is possible that physical action will result from the recommendations of the task force.

"If road tolls are going to be introduced on a more widespread basis, the Government charges already facing hauliers must be re-balanced to ensure that the burden hauliers are carrying is not increased." Mr Quinn added: "Nobody ever looks at the strategic role of the sector, it is viewed purely as a cash cow for the Government and there is a feeling that we are an easy target."

On penalty points, Mr Quinn said: "When the regime is fully put in place, Ireland will have the most advanced points system in Europe but the worst infrastructure. . ." The conference also heard that the legislation on the penalty points system may face a legal challenge.