further hikes on toll fares... are commuters feeling the pinch?
Summary
This episode discusses the upcoming January increases in toll prices for Irish motorways and the port tunnel, which will cost car users 10 to 20 cents more per trip. Guests Ger Highland of the Irish Road Haulage Association and Jason Cullen of the Dublin Commuter Coalition debate the impact of these hikes, with Highland arguing the costs are unaffordable for hauliers and Cullen advocating for a shift to distance-based tolling. The conversation also explores how higher tolls may drive traffic onto local roads, exacerbating congestion and undermining public transport efforts.
Topics discussed
Air Traffic Control recruitment and AirNav Ireland
Introduction to upcoming toll price increases
Ger Highland on impact of toll hikes on haulage
TII justification for tunnel toll increases
Inflation, traffic growth, and M50 congestion
Lack of alternatives for transport industry
Jason Cullen on disincentivizing city traffic
Proposal for distance-based tolling systems
Risks of increased local road congestion
Haulage industry response and route changes
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