Tracking motorists using satellite technology would eliminate the"primitive" practice of drivers queuing to pay motorway tolls, it was claimedtoday.
A leading road safety expert said the idea, which is being examined bythe Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, would help further reduce journey times betweenDublin and Belfast.
Conor Faughnan of the AA said: "In principle it makes perfect sense.
"If you accept the notion of tolling, it makes more practical sense in the21st century to replace toll booths with satellite tracking.
"The actual process of collecting a coin or two is rather primitive,especially when you are looking at 100,000 vehicles a day. Satellite tracking isself evidently a good concept."
It emerged today that Transport Minister Seamus Brennan is examining thepossible use of the system for tolling drivers on the Republic's nationalmotorway system.
Motorists would be sent individual bills for road use rather than throwingcoins into tolls at the start and end of a motorway.It is one of a number of options being considered as part of a review of theM1 project linking Dublin and Belfast.
Mr Faughnan said he was not aware of any imminent plans to introduce thesystem.
"I don't think it will be a reality in the short term," he added.Irish drivers had their first experience of tolling this summer with theopening of new sections of the M1 motorway. The addition of these sections hasgreatly cut journey times between the two cities.
Irish premier Bertie Ahern said it would greatly encourage North-Southcooperation and economic development along the east coast.