Motorists could pay the toll for gridlock 06-11-02

Motorists could pay the toll for gridlock

Transport Minister Seamus Brennan is considering the notion of charging cars and heavy goods vehicles for the the privilege of entering the capital. However, he is adamant that his first priority is to invest more money in road infrastructure and public transport, writes John Loughran.

Speaking at the opening of a major transport conference organised by Dublin City Council yesterday 5th November, the minister said he would examine the matter of road charging if gridlock in the capital worsened.
Some time ago the Government commissioned Oscar Faber Consultants to examine the possibility of road charging as a means of alleviating traffic gridlock in the capital.

The report recommended a fixed charge for motorists entering an area inside the M50 and the canals. The report claimed delays could be cut by up to 25 per cent, while travel times could be shortened by up to 17 per cent.

To facilitate road charging 18 toll booths on bridges and access roads could be put in place, the report suggested.

It is understood, however, that the Government has no firm plans to introduce road charging in the medium term. For the moment the Government believes improved infrastructure and public transport will solve the problem.