The Clare based former President of the Irish Road Hauliers Association claims motorists in this county are being subject to astronomical annual bills due to toll price hikes.
From January 1st, charges for passenger vehicles and busses on the N18 Limerick Tunnel and eight other routes across the country increased by 20c to €2.30 and €2.60 respectively, while for different classes of heavy goods vehicles, the cost will go up by between 30 and 50c.
However for HGVs traversing the M50, this cost can now be as high as €6.90 per journey.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland has based the increase of the annual rate of inflation, that was 6.3% at the end of August.
Spokesperson for the Irish Road Haulier’s Association Eugene Drennan believes the measure should be rescinded and that some Haulage will now be facing bills of up to €11,000 per annum on toll roads alone.
The Ennis man says though that business and motorists travelling to and from Clare,will be particularly affected.
A Clare Coach Operator on the other hand believes some businesses are being unfairly targeted by the new rates.
Michael Meere, who runs Meere’s Coach Hire in Clarecastle makes regular trips to Limerick as part of his services for the HSE .
He says while he can chose to avail of Bus Lanes to avoid congestion, his employees, who provide transport to wheelchair users are not allowed to do so and must use the tunnell to avoid traffic.
Michael believes the costs will begin to quickly mount up.
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