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From the AA Website
The AA has called on the Government and National Toll Roads to raise the toll barriers on Dublin’s Westlink bridge during the morning and evening peak periods in order to alleviate unacceptable levels of congestion. Levels of revenue taken from motorists at the bridge are now so high that the cost could easily be absorbed.
“Every morning and evening sees huge queues form at Westlink in both directions.” Says public affairs manager Conor Faughnan. “Its an artificial tailback on a motorway that is already under immense pressure. The urgently needed second bridge at Westlink will not be ready for a year. In the meantime, lifting the barriers would greatly improve the flow of traffic and alleviate the situation.”
Congestion at Westlink is now so severe that delays can be felt as far south as Red Cow. Diverting traffic has begun to congest areas like Chapelizod, Phoenix Park and Ballyfermot.
“National Toll Roads operate Westlink very efficiently and professionally.” Says Faughnan. “But they do not need to collect tolls at peak times.”
The AA points out that the Government now actually gets about 40 per cent of the gross toll revenue. This is because the original deal with Westlink in 1987 laid down a level of ‘franchise fee’ that got higher as traffic volumes increased. At the time maximum volumes were expected to be no higher than 45,000 vehicles per day. Current volumes are 70,000 vehicles per day, and since 1st September tolls carry 20% VAT.
“The bridge collects £84,000 per day, which is more than was ever dreamt of in 1987. £33,000 goes directly to Government and part of that can be rebated to Westlink to cover the cost of raising the barriers at rush hour. The bridge will still remain highly profitable for both Government and National Toll Roads.”
The AA proposes that the toll barriers should be lifted from 7.00 AM to 9.00 AM and from 5.00 PM to 7.00 PM Monday to Friday and that this should continue until the second bridge at Westlink opens in the last quarter of 2002.
Copyright © Automobile Association
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