Toll charges set to rise from January

Motorway tolls are set to rise in the new year as increases in the consumer price index allow a range of operators to add 10 cent to the charge for most vehicles.

On the M50, the increase will only apply to goods vehicles and will bring rates back into line with charges which were in place in 2009.

According to the National Roads Authority, the toll for goods vehicles will increase 10 cent, returning tolls for goods vehicles to 2009 rates, after a deflationary decrease in 2010.

Passenger car rates for cars on the M50 are to remain unchanged for next year.

However The Irish Times has established that the consumer price index will allow other toll operators to increase charges from January 1st based on same formula.

These tolls include the M1 Dundalk; M8 Rathcormac/Fermoy; M6 Galway to Ballinsloe; and N25 Waterford.

The increases allowable on these roads will apply to two-, three- and four-axle vehicles which may be permitted to increase charges by 10 cent.

Separate agreements apply to other roads. On the N18 Limerick Tunnel, the agreement will allow operators to increase charges by 10 cent two, three and four axle vehicles.

On the M3, the toll agreement will allow an increase of 10 cent for cars, long goods vehicles and buses, as well as two-, three- and four-axle vehicles.

On the M4 between Kinnegad and Kilcock, toll charges may increase by 10 cent for cars, long goods vehicles and buses, as well as two-, three- and four-axle vehicles. In some categories, these increases would still be below 2009 rates. The toll was one of the first to open in the PPP programme.

On the M7 at Portlaoise, two-, three- and four-axle vehicles may face a 10 cent increase.

An NRA spokesman confirmed the increases for the goods vehicles on the M50 but said the authority could not comment on other toll operators' intentions. Under the agreement the private operators of tolls may decide not to impose the increases. Announcements are expected within days.

The Department of Transport recently confirmed it is looking at introducing `distance tolling? on the M50 as well as considering new tolls on the Jack Lynch tunnel in Cork.