More than 100 trucks took part in a demonstration on the M4 this morning over the cost of tolls on the newly opened Kilcock/Kinnegad bypass.
The drivers contend the toll charge for a truck using the new bypass of €6.20 is excessive.
John Keaveney, Eurolink
The trucks occupied the HGV lanes at the toll plaza heading in both directions, but there was no disruption to other traffic, according to AA Roadwatch. Gardaí were at the scene to assist with traffic flow.
A spokeswoman for Eurolink said there was a 20 per cent reduction in normal traffic this morning as motorists were avoiding the area.
Jimmy Quinn, spokesperson for the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA), said he was pleased with how the protest had gone.
"One of our members, a haulier serving and exporting industry in Galway is faced with four tolls - at Ballinasloe, Kilcock, East Link and West Link. This will amount to €48 for a round trip and when multiplied by 300 working days, he faces a yearly bill of €14,400 per vehicle," he said.
"Two problems need to be solved - the problem with the operator of this route in terms of offering value for money and discounts for wholesale purchasing. And secondly the problem with the Government, who are going to have to realise that there is only so far they can squeeze our industry, when you take into account indirect taxation such as tolls, fuel and insurance to name but a few," he added.
Toll operator Eurolink said it regretted that the IRHA had gone ahead with the protest.
"We think the new 36 kilometre motorway offers excellent value for money, at just €2.50 for a car and €6.20 for the biggest trucks," said John Keaveney, operations manager at the company.
"We estimate time savings on the motorway of up to an hour on a round trip. It equates to a clear saving in commercial terms for haulage companies, for whom time is money," he said.
Mr Quinn said the IRHA was willing to enter talks with Eurolink.