Tolling National Routes: the Madness continues

The Government is reported to have signed off on a toll roads extension which would effectively pitch travellers on Irish roads back into the 18th century, writes Brian Byrne.

And another item in the package would discriminate against motorists who don't use computers or internet, by penalising them for not paying motor tax online. This is Ryanair taking over the roads ...

According to the Irish Times this morning, extending tolls to national routes in addition to the motorways is part of a €500m savings package proposed by the Local Government Efficiency Group.

The Group says this move would be consistent with Government policy on the environment, to 'incentivise' motorists to use other transport. It also suggests that it would provide an 'income stream' to local authorities to maintain roads.

Are they mad? Or merely desperate?

Both, probably. More on this later.