Dublin District Court recently issued €428,000 in fines to 22 drivers of cars, vans, and trucks for repeatedly evading tolls on the M50 motorway. The penalties, ranging from €15,000 to €25,000, were levied in the absence of the defendants, who did not appear in court.
Significant Penalties for Toll Evasion
The largest fine, totaling €25,000, was issued to car driver Denis Strescu of Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, who had accumulated 1,220 unpaid tolls. Three commercial vehicle owners also received the maximum penalty of €25,000 each. Truck driver Bernard McDonagh, of Dublin 22, faced this fine after evidence showed he did not pay for any of his 814 recorded trips on the motorway.
However, one motorist who appeared in court and pleaded guilty received a significantly reduced fine of €150, plus €150 towards prosecution costs. Judge Anthony Halpin acknowledged the driver’s remorse and stated intention to settle the outstanding balance from 18 of 263 journeys.
Court Proceedings and Non-Engagement
The court heard that in many cases, defendants did not engage with the legal process. One woman arrived at court but left before her case was called. Judge Halpin suggested she may have been unaware that appearing in court could result in a lesser penalty. All defendants who did not appear were also ordered to pay €350 in costs within three months.
Prosecuting counsel Thomas Rice, instructed by Pierse Fitzgibbon Solicitors, presented evidence including vehicle ownership records, passage history, and payment records. Images of the vehicles passing through the toll gantry were also submitted. The court has the authority to impose fines up to €5,000 per charge and issue sentences of up to six months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don’t pay the M50 toll?
If the toll is not paid by 8pm the following day, a penalty is added. Surcharges increase after 56 days, followed by warning letters and, ultimately, court proceedings if the debt remains unpaid.
Who is responsible for paying the toll?
The registered owner of the vehicle is liable for the toll, even if they were not driving at the time.
What evidence is used in these cases?
Evidence presented in court includes vehicle ownership records, the number of passages recorded, payment history, and images of the vehicle passing the toll gantry.
It is possible that the motorway operator will continue to pursue legal action against habitual non-payers, potentially leading to further prosecutions and fines. The outcome of cases involving defendants who attempt to resolve their debts after being notified of court proceedings remains to be seen.
