New toll rates have come into effect on several motorways across Ireland from today, with varying increases depending on vehicle type and payment method. The changes primarily affect the Dublin Port Tunnel, M50, M4, and M3 routes.
The Dublin Port Tunnel will see the most significant change, with a €1 toll increase for southbound traffic during weekday morning peak hours between 6am and 10am. This adjustment targets the busiest commuter period through the tunnel connecting the port to the city.
Motorists using the M50 without a tag or video account will face an additional 10 cent charge compared to registered users. The penalty for driving without proper registration aims to encourage drivers to establish payment accounts for smoother traffic flow.
Heavy goods vehicles exceeding 10,000kg will experience different rate increases depending on their registration status. HGVs with a tag and video account will see a 10 cent toll increase, while unregistered HGVs without a tag or video account will face a 20 cent increase, effectively doubling the penalty for lack of registration.
The M4 Kilcock to Kinnegad and M3 Clonee to Kells motorways will implement a 10 cent toll increase effective immediately. However, car drivers will receive some relief as there will be no increases on the eight Public-Private Partnership toll roads, which include the M1, M3, M4, N6, M7/M8, M8, N18 Limerick Tunnel, and N25 Waterford.
Authorities have explained that the toll arrangements, particularly for the Dublin Port Tunnel, are designed to manage demand during peak hours. The pricing structure aims to ensure highway traffic flowing in and out of Dublin Port is not hampered by excess traffic and congestion, maintaining efficient movement of goods and commercial vehicles critical to the port’s operations.