A controversial toll scheme for the Kinnegad-Enfield-Kilcock section of the proposed M4 motorway was approved by the National Roads Authority (NRA) yesterday.
The motorway is to be one of 11 public private partnership (PPPs), to be undertaken by the NRA, five of which will be motorways between Dublin and the Republic's regional cities.
Earlier this year the NRA faced criticism at a public inquiry into the toll proposals when it emerged that the NRA itself, which was giving evidence to the inquiry, had appointed the inquiry inspector and would adjudicate on his report. The toll scheme was opposed by local traders, residents and members of the local authority.
The proposed 35km motorway is to run from the existing M4 motorway at Kilcock in Co Kildare to connect with the existing N4 and N6 west of Kinnegad in Co Westmeath. It will also link to the local and existing road network through interchanges at Kilcock, Enfield and Kinnegad.
The NRA has made only minor changes to its scheme, to distinguish between the new motorway section, subject to tolls, and other roads to be constructed as part of the overall project and the existing N4 and N6. The changes do not alter the location of the toll booths.
The NRA did decide, however, that a discount of at least 10 per cent would be available for prepayment for 20 journeys, to cater for commuters or other frequent users of the motorway.
The charges for the tolls are to be: motorcycles €0.90; cars €1.75; buses or coaches €2.65; and goods vehicles on a sliding scale depending on size, from €2.65 to €4.30. The authority said the charges were an estimate at August 2000 prices.
