AA want toll barriers at Westlink lifted at peak times

The Automobile Association has called on National Toll Roads to raise the toll barriers at Dublin's Westlink Bridge during morning and evening peak traffic to alleviate the unacceptable levels of congestion.

Public Affairs Manager, Conor Faughnan believes the time has come for the Government to take action to alleviate the congestion, which at peak times can be felt as far south as the Red Cow Roundabout. Such is the gravity of the problem; diverting traffic has begun to congest areas like Chapelizod, Phoenix Park and Ballyfermot.

Faughnan admits the problem will dissipate late next year when the second bridge is opened. In the meantime he wants the toll barriers lifted at peak times.
He commented: "National Toll Roads operate very efficiently and professionally. But they do not need to collect tolls at peak times."

The bridge collects £84,000 per day, which is more than was ever dreamt of in 1987. £33,000 goes directly to the Government and part of that can be rebated to National Toll Roads to cover the cost of raising the barriers at rush hour. The bridge will still remain highly profitable for both Government and National Toll Roads," Faughnan commented.

The AA proposes that the toll barriers should be lifted between 7.00am to 9.00am and from 5.00pm to 7.00pm, Monday to Friday until the second bridge at the Westlink opens in the last quarter of 2002.