Motorway toll barriers must be scrapped in Laois and other counties -demands Government rep

The End of the Toll Booth Era: Moving Toward Free-Flow Motorways

For decades, the physical toll plaza has been a staple of the motorway experience. However, the push to scrap “archaic” barriers is gaining momentum. The goal is a transition toward free-flow tolling systems, where vehicles maintain speed and payments are handled remotely via tags or digital platforms.

This shift isn’t just about convenience. it is about modernizing infrastructure to match the standards of EU counterparts. While Ireland already utilizes this system on the M50, other key routes, such as the M7/M8 plaza in Laois, still rely on outdated booths that force trucks, buses, and cars to stop, and queue.

Lessons from Europe: The French Model

Ireland is currently trailing behind some of its European neighbors in the adoption of barrier-free systems. A primary example is the A13–A14 motorway corridor between Paris and Normandy in France. This route has completely removed physical barriers in favor of tag and remote payment systems.

By adopting similar “free-flow” legislation, authorities can reduce the inefficiencies that currently hinder transport networks. MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has suggested that proposing such legislation at the EU level could ensure these updates happen within a reasonable timeframe across member states.

The Environmental Toll of the Stop-Start Cycle

The environmental impact of toll barriers is more significant than a simple delay. Every time a heavy vehicle is forced to stop and restart, it consumes a substantial amount of fuel and releases a burst of carbon emissions.

According to data shared with the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA), each truck start-up can burn up to two litres of fuel, which equates to roughly 5.08kg of CO₂. When scaled across the thousands of HGVs using these plazas, the result is staggering:

• Annual Emissions: Roughly 45,000 tonnes of CO₂ from HGVs alone.
• Wasted Fuel: Approximately €26 million in wasted diesel on roads each year for HGVs.

Removing these barriers is viewed as “low hanging fruit” for state agencies to help Ireland reach its climate targets and reduce the overall cost base of the transport industry.

Safety Hazards at the Plaza

Beyond economics and ecology, the removal of toll booths is a matter of road safety. Toll plazas often create high-stress environments where drivers are distracted. Common hazards include:

• Drivers rummaging for coins or bank cards.
• Motorists seeking receipts for expense records.
• Dangerous last-minute lane changes.

These distractions can lead to minor accidents and, in extreme cases, fatal collisions. The dangers were highlighted by a coroner in Cork following a fatal accident at a Cork toll plaza in 2012, underscoring the need to eliminate these high-risk stop points.

The Path Forward with TII and the EU

The transition to a barrier-free future requires coordination between toll operators and state agencies. Communication has already been initiated with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to raise the issue of free-flowing plazas.

With the support of the Renew Europe group, there is a potential for EU-wide legislation to mandate the removal of outdated barriers, ensuring that the movement of goods and people is no longer hindered by “archaic” infrastructure. For more on regional improvements, see our coverage on major road upgrades in Laois.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is free-flow tolling?
Free-flow tolling is a system where vehicles do not have to stop at a physical barrier. Payments are collected remotely via electronic tags or through a website.

Why are toll barriers considered outdated?
They cause unnecessary traffic delays, increase the risk of accidents due to driver distraction, and contribute significantly to carbon emissions and fuel waste.

How much CO₂ is produced by HGVs at toll booths?
It is estimated that HGVs alone produce roughly 45,000 tonnes of emissions annually due to the stop-start nature of toll plazas.

Where is this system already working?
In Ireland, the M50 uses a free-flow system. Internationally, the A13–A14 motorway corridor in France is a prime example of barrier-free tolling.