Threatened nationwide road protests by hauliers in response to the rising costs of road tolls were averted yesterday after they agreed to set up a task force on the issue.
At the annual Irish Road Hauliers Association (IRHA) conference in Bunratty, Co Clare, the Dublin branch of the IRHA tabled a motion calling for the nationwide protest. However, the hauliers agreed to put a stay on any protest and instead establish a task force to examine all their options.
Director of communications with the IRHA, Mr Jimmy Quinn, said yesterday: "It is possible that physical action will result from the recommendations of the task force.
"If road tolls are going to be introduced on a more widespread basis, the Government charges already facing hauliers must be re-balanced to ensure that the burden hauliers are carrying is not increased." Mr Quinn added: "Nobody ever looks at the strategic role of the sector, it is viewed purely as a cash cow for the Government and there is a feeling that we are an easy target."
On penalty points, Mr Quinn said: "When the regime is fully put in place, Ireland will have the most advanced points system in Europe but the worst infrastructure. . ." The conference also heard that the legislation on the penalty points system may face a legal challenge.
