Julianstown

Truckers set to boycott M1 toll - Drogheda Independent

ROADS in Drogheda could soon become even more congested as truckers are advised to avoid the motorway and use the old national roads instead.

Following a recent survey, which found it was cheaper, quicker and more efficient to use national routes rather than the new motorway network, the website for the Transport News Network is now advising truck drivers to stick to old routes.

The double test run was carried out by Fleet Management in conjunction with a Limerick based haulage company, travelling from Kilbeggan in Westmeath to Dundalk in Louth.

One lorry used the new M4, M50 and M1 Motorways while the travelled along the N52 National Route. The survey found that ‘at the end of the trial runs, the National route was shorter (120 kms), faster (by 27 minutes), more fuel efficient (by 21 litres) plus the added financial benefit of no toll charges.

Adding the toll fees E13.60 x 2 plus the extra diesel used (E23.17) equates to E50.37, not to mention the 27 minutes saved on the round trip.

The exercise showed that on the basis of this trip, a transport company using this Motorway route three times per week (operating up to five trucks), would incur an additional cost of over E40,000 (including VAT), plus the extra labour costs.

posted by FPL @ 7:36 PM